In 2020, I(Omar) began my journey in the horticulture industry. After earning my degree in horticulture from the College of Dupage, I spent three years gaining experience at various nurseries and farms. It was during this time that I became aware of the harmful effects of conventional pesticide spraying. This realization sparked my passion for organic regenerative practices, leading me to pursue a path focused on sustainable agriculture.

Determined to learn and eventually establish my own farm, I took a leap of faith in 2023 and became an intern at WWOOF, an organic farming organization. It was there that I discovered Banford Road Farm, a small 1-acre farm. I spent the spring, summer, and fall immersed in the principles of no-till regenerative farming. Witnessing the transformative effects of this approach, I became passionate about its efficiency and benefits. No-till farming brought life back into the soil, resulting in better-tasting, nutrient-dense vegetables, and fostering a healthier environment for all living organisms to thrive.

A year later, in 2024, Estefani and I found a piece of land to call home: 2 acres at Soulful Prairies in Woodstock, Illinois. It was here that Soulshine Farm was born, and I am thrilled to serve my community with fresh, organic produce.