Kim Shaw has been in Charlotte for over twenty years, and takes pride in her edible flowers, fruits, and farm. After leaving behind her past career of wedding planning, she found a passion for gardening, and chose to do it full time. Now, Shaw has been a farmer for more than ten years, and shares that passion with her three dogs and cat. 

What is your hometown? 
Beaufort, South Carolina

Do you own any pets?
We have three dogs: Isabell, Emily Spinach, and Daisy. We also have a barn cat named Sunflower.

Who are your sports teams?
The Carolina Panthers

How long have you been in Charlotte? 
I have been here since 1996.

Tell us about your farm/specialities.
We are located in the City of Charlotte. We grow the usual crops, we also have an orchard of pear, fig, pomegranate, apple, and plum trees.

Did you have a career before you started farming?
I did, I was a wedding and event planner. In 2000, Random House published The New Book of Wedding Etiquette, which I wrote when I was a wedding planner.

What is your favorite product to grow/cook?
I love to grow all types of flowers. 

What is your most popular product?
Probably edible flowers.

What inspired you to start your agricultural business?
I was laid off at the job I had as Director of Catering for a country club. I, along with the chef (you may know him, Paul Verica) had started a garden there. I thought I could do it full time!

What is your main goal you are hoping to accomplish? 
To sell everything we grow.

What do you think the Charlotte agricultural scene needs?
A tax break on the land we use for crops. More chefs using local products. Subsidies that will allow us to get our product into the hands of lower income folks. Good food should not be the provenance of the rich.

Where can we find/purchase your products?
We offer two CSAs; a spring/summer and a fall. We also sell our stuff through the wonderful, wonderful people of Freshlist. 

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