From Veg Boxes to Microgreens: The Start of a Journey
My journey with Teeny Greeny began long before microgreens were a part of my life. I was already deeply rooted in sustainable living through my first business, Mayfield Organic, which connected my local community with fresh, organic produce. I ran a small veg box scheme, collaborating with local biodynamic farmers to deliver high-quality fruit and vegetables. This love for organic farming was my foundation, so when the opportunity to purchase a microgreens farm in 2018 arose, it just felt like the natural next step.
Balancing Family Life and Business
At the time, my personal life was full of its own complexities. As a solo parent to three incredible children, all diagnosed with specific learning difficulties (SpLD), I was juggling the demands of family life alongside my growing business. With each child attending a different school that specialised in their needs, I found myself driving four hours a day to ensure they received the right education. It was exhausting but worth it. Little did I know, life was about to take another unexpected turn.
A Pivot During the Pandemic: The Birth of the Microfarm Kit
In 2020, as the world faced the pandemic, I had to make a tough decision. I closed the farm and moved the business into our converted garage, refocusing my energy on developing our flagship product—the Teeny Greeny Microfarm Kit. I wanted to create something meaningful, a sustainable, hands-on experience that would allow people to grow their own microgreens at home. With a lot of trial and error, the Microfarm Kits evolved into what they are today: a unique, sustainable product that blends education with the joy of growing your own food.
Navigating the World of Retail and Trade
Along the way, I had exciting opportunities to work with major retailers like Selfridges, Kew Gardens, Daylesford, and even Whole Foods Market. However, I quickly realized that, as a small business, scaling up to meet their demands wasn’t feasible. Attending big events like the BBC Good Food Show was an exhilarating but challenging experience—both in terms of time and finances. With my family responsibilities always at the forefront, I made the decision to focus on what worked best for us: direct-to-consumer sales.
Focusing on D2C and Sustainability
This past year has been all about refining our products and deepening our commitment to sustainability. We’re proudly accredited by the Soil Association, and we’re also part of the “1% for the Planet” initiative. My goal isn’t just to sell a one-off kit, but to offer an enriching experience that fosters a love for growing and sustainability. Our kits have also caught the attention of the health sector, and they’ve become popular as unique, meaningful gifts.
Looking Ahead: A Vision for Growth
It’s taken nearly five years to turn a small profit, but I’m incredibly proud of where Teeny Greeny stands today. As we celebrate our 5th anniversary, on the same day as my birthday and Lotte's birthday (my youngest daughter’s!), I can’t help but feel like this is our lucky year. With more awareness, passion, and the right community around us, I know we’ll continue to find our true fans and grow in the years to come. One day, I’d love to partner with charities like Made by Dyslexia to give back even more to the communities that have inspired us.
Thanks for being part of our adventure and here’s to the next chapter for Teeny Greeny.
Alice, Lotte & Teeny Greeny x