Cultivating Growth and Community: Yaa Tashel of Mama Isis Farm and Market
In our "Growfluencers" series, I’m thrilled to spotlight Yaa Tashel, a.k.a. Mama Isis, the heart and soul behind Mama Isis Farm and Market in New Orleans. Established in 2017, this urban farm operates as an L3C, which means it combines aspects of both for-profit and non-profit entities, prioritizing charitable goals over profit. Mama Isis’s journey began in her backyard, where she cultivated her passion for farming and sustainability. She has now blossomed into a thriving urban farm that serves as a beacon of hope and resilience in her community.
Mama Isis’s farm is a testament to her commitment to regenerative agriculture. With 16 raised beds housed in a Caterpillar Tunnel, she is able to grow year-round, ensuring that her community has access to fresh, chemical-free produce. “We’re a chemical-free urban farm that turns food waste, like coffee grounds, into fertilizer for our soil,” she explains. This innovative approach not only enriches the earth but also exemplifies the importance of sustainability in urban farming.
What truly sets Mama Isis apart is her dedication to education and community engagement. “I am most proud of the lives I have touched and the education I have provided to all ages, especially the babies,” she shares. As a former mental health professional, she integrates healing practices into her work, emphasizing the importance of respecting nature and understanding our interconnectedness. “I want the future generation to grasp the Law of Divine Oneness and how farming can be a tool for healing,” she says passionately. This philosophy is not just about growing food; it’s about nurturing the spirit and fostering a sense of belonging within the community.
Mama Isis connects with her community through various avenues. She actively shares her knowledge on social media, offering insights into regenerative agriculture, sustainability, and food waste reduction. “I collaborate with organizations for speaking engagements and use my urban agriculture skills as an art form to educate the youth,” she explains. By attending community events and participating in climate and infrastructure cohorts, she ensures that her voice is heard and that she is part of the conversation around food justice and sustainability.
Her journey into farming was inspired by her daughter, Isis, who ignited her passion for growing. “It all started with an avocado seed,” she recalls fondly. After attending a gardening class with her daughter, Mama Isis felt compelled to embark on this journey. From bartering mustard greens with local businesses to expanding her offerings to include cut flowers, herbal teas, and elderberry syrup, her farm has become a hub of creativity and nourishment.
Mama Isis is also deeply committed to involving youth in her work. She partners with non-profit organizations that have youth programs, using her urban agriculture skills to engage young people through arts enrichment and hands-on learning. “I incorporate fun activities like acting out beneficial bug movements and developing games that teach them about regenerative agriculture,” she shares. This approach not only makes learning enjoyable but also instills a sense of teamwork and collaboration among the youth.
As she looks to the future, Mama Isis is excited about expanding her operations on her second lot this spring. “We’re seeking funding to establish storage and community cooking classes, as both locations are considered food deserts,” she explains. Her vision is clear: to create a space where the community can learn, grow, and heal together.
In a world where access to fresh food can be a challenge, Mama Isis Farm and Market stands as a testament to resilience, creativity, and community spirit. Mama Isis embodies the essence of what it means to be a Growfluencer—transforming lives, nurturing connections, and cultivating a brighter future for generations to come.
As part of her commitment to sharing the bounty of her farm, Mama Isis also provided a delicious recipe for a fresh herb salad that showcases the vibrant flavors of her harvest. This simple yet nourishing dish is a perfect way to enjoy the fruits of your labor and celebrate the joy of cooking with fresh ingredients. You can find the recipe on her website.
You can follow Mama Isis’s journey on her social media platforms:
🌍Website: MamaIsisFarm&Market Mamaisis504.substack.com
📸Instagram: @mamaisisfarmandmarket
👥Twitter: @MamaIsisFandM
📘Facebook: MamaIsisFarm&Market
🎥TikTok: @mama.isis.urban.farm
As we celebrate Mama Isis's work, let’s remember the power of community, the importance of sustainability, and the profound impact that one dedicated individual can have in “Nurturing, growth, and healing”.
