Today we’d like to introduce you to Mayflor Chokshi.
Hi Mayflor, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My husband is the one who really wants to have a farm. He grew up in Pennsylvania where you see the Amish farms in vast rolling hills. It is beautiful. I grew up in the Philippines and I had fun memories when I went to the province and saw the rice fields that my grandfather owned and worked as a farmer long time ago. My husband and I believe in growing our own food and to be the best stewards of the land. I love gardening. I even took classes to become a Master gardener. So we bought the land in 2008 in Stockbridge with a little house. The land and the house need a lot of work. We don’t know what we’re doing! but slowly cleaning up, made the house livable, fenced the areas for at that time we had a Great Pyrenees roaming the farm and loving it. We didn’t live at the farm but it is very close to our primary residence. We maintain our land and slowly building the barn, cleared a large areas for pasture. Created a pond, and drainage. We even had two pet cows and we used to milk the cow. The most memorable one was when my husband delivered a calf! great experience for our kids. I had a small garden at that time. Continuously exploring ways to enrich the land.
It was year 2012 that I’ve given a lot of thought what to do with the land and pursue farming. It’s overwhelming because I have no experience in that scale, There was a student that I met in my kids school who have a farm. He gave me insight that truly I cannot farm alone and suggested that I need to hire a good experienced farmer. I’m beginning to love my farm and creating vision of what I love to do. I need to learn more. I joined Georgia Organics and took organic farming. Low and behold that’s where I met Farmer Chris Edwards. We shared the same vision and he was passionate in farming. We became partners. During those time I’m still quite busy with my kids. Chris was the lead farmer. We got a tractor, few implements and a seedling house. I was able to received grants for our two hoop houses, drip irrigation for our planting fields. We planted fruit trees. The cultivated land is only 1.5 acre nevertheless it’s still hard work. We grew crops from organic seeds., and planted varieties of seasonal vegetables for our Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) members and for the farmer’s market and sold to few restaurants. We raised chicken laying eggs. You can imagine the equipments we needed, and more help to work in the farm. Our method is organic and no tilling method. Over the years of using compost, no pesticides, and the use of organic fertilizer our soil became so rich in organic matter. You can see the symbiotic relationship between plants, insects, birds and people. Nothing is easy but indeed very rewarding. Being in nature is the best medicine. From fresh harvest to your kitchen, freshly prepared and cooked vegetables was so delightful. This is our hashtag from our Biome to your microbiome.
We were able to be productive for 9 years. I understand that things changed for a reason. Farmer Chris ventured on his own and moved to Ghana. He knows it’s been difficult for me. During that time we thought of doing a collaboration of growing fruit trees from Ghana and MayFlor Farms; Alas, he got ill and died so suddenly. My heart ached, can’t believed he’s gone. I even thought should I let go of the farm. But it made me sad even more. I kept going and still grateful and blessed for what I have. A lot of reflections. My husband is very supportive. Unfortunately, I cannot continue the CSA and markets. All these circumstances happened; I still maintain the farm. Create the cottage garden, new landscaping. Planting vegetables where I can manage and enjoy the beauty of nature. Created a small trail in the woods. Share the place with my family and friends. The farm is peaceful and lovely that my son got married in our farm.
This is a long journey. The goal to make it sustainable. You learn each day, make new mistakes and learn from it. Inspiration to make new projects. Luckily, I met a farmer who’s willing to join venture with me. Exciting and anxious all the same. Soon we will open our CSA, rent the place for intimate wedding events, pop-up dinners and wellness education for the community. Farming is evolving within the bounds of realistic optimism.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It’s not a smooth ride at times. The struggles are labor. I felt the climate change. You cannot control Mother nature. But you can control your ways and learn to adopt.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am an immigrant. I came to the US as a Registered Nurse. I’m now retired. Back home life is quite hard financially. I’m proud that I made it here. There will always be obstacles, those experiences of hardships and achievements because of perseverance makes you resilient.
I’ve often been the glue of our family, quietly keeping things in order. Because of family responsibilities, I didn’t pursue my career as aggressively as I could have. At times I wonder if what I did was “enough”, but with more self-compassion, I’m learning to see that running a household well is meaningful work- even if it isn’t always recognized as something special. My husband’s and children’s successes feel like an extension of my own.
What sets me apart from others… I love to read and to marvel at the fact that I am only a tiny speck in the universe—yet a content and grateful one. I continue to grow, to learn, and to remain eager to help, trusting that even my small presence can make a difference.
Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
At a certain point, you have to take risks but always have a plan B. Let’s say, you invest in a business and as long as you’re aware of the risks and be prepared to have that Plan B ready. Be practical and realistic. Don’t be greedy.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.mayflorfarms.com
- Instagram: Mayflor Farms
- Facebook: Mayflor Farms
