Today we’d like to introduce you to Timothy Hammond.
Timothy, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I grew up around gardening but never thought I would make a career centered around growing food. I used to be a little embarrassed about gardening and growing flowers. From the time I was a child, I have always known that I wanted to own my own business. After I graduated from the University of Houston with a bachelors degree in finance and economics, I started my first business venture, a hydroponics store. From there, I went on to start or be an integral part of many other businesses. Despite being successful, I realized that I was looking for something else.
That’s when I started Big City Gardener. I loved to garden and wanted to teach and bring people to gardening. I started my Instagram page and just started sharing quick tips on how to grow food. It did not stop there, I started sharing tips on how to use it once you’ve produced or bought the fresh produce. Soon everything changed- I was teaching people how to grow food. I started installing raised bed gardens in client’s backyards. Through gardening, I have been able to have so many different experiences; a Miracle-Gro commercial, being named top 20 Instagram accounts and working with a non-profit to work with at-risk youth teaching entrepreneurial and gardening skills. Recently I have been invited to work with different executive chefs to grow food for their restaurants.
The best part for me though is getting the opportunity to be a market manager for a community-based farmers market in a food desert. Through this marketing manager opportunity, I can help to bring in fresh produce to an area that does not have direct access to fresh produce.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Is anything ever a “smooth” road? No, it hasn’t been a smooth road. There have been several times that I’ve thought to myself- what are you doing, how am I going make a career from gardening, and so much other negative self-talk. I didn’t want to change who I was. I have always been 100% me. When you give yourself no other option or choice, you have to be successful. When you do something that you love and are passionate about you have no other choice but to find a way to succeed. Trying to make a career or find your lane in a reemerging industry isn’t always easy.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Big City Gardener – what should we know?
Big City Gardener started as a landscaping company, but I realized I wasn’t using all of my talents. That’s when there was a pivot. Now Big City Gardener is focused on educating people. I want to show people how to grow their food and that it’s possible to have a backyard garden. There is nothing new about gardening. I want to inspire people to get their hands dirty and Just Grow It. I’ve taught children as young as 5 to senior citizens. Helping others learn to grow their food is something I am passionate about.
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
Relatability – When I educate people, my goal is always to show them that gardening is something they can do. It is something that has been done since the beginning of time by every civilization. We can all grow some of our own food- whether it be herbs, vegetables, or fruits. My goal is to teach as many people as I can about growing their own food.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.bigcitygardener.com
- Email: igrow@bigcitygardener.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/BigCityGardener
- Facebook: facebook.com/bigcitygardener
- Twitter: twitter.com/bigcitygardener
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