The following interview was originally published on Medium by Columbia Venture Community, following our win at the Spring Demo night in 2017.
Struggling to Start Your Urban Garden? Nate Littlewood Has Some Tips!
Have you ever wanted to start an urban garden but felt overwhelmed by the thought of where to begin? You're not alone. Many city dwellers face the challenge of limited space and time, making it hard to pursue their passion for gardening. That's where Urban Leaf comes in, making growing food at home fun, easy, and accessible.
Indoor gardening doesn't have to be a daunting task. With the right tools and guidance, even the busiest urbanite can grow their own fresh, healthy food right at home.
What Inspired Urban Leaf?
Nate Littlewood, co-founder of Urban Leaf, had a unique journey that led him to start the company. "My first career aspiration was to become a chef," Nate shares. "But my mom told me it would mean getting up at 4 am every day, and I liked sleeping in! Although I never became a chef, my passion for food remained strong." Years later, inspired by figures like Michael Pollan, Nate realized the environmental impact of our food choices. "Learning about the damage we cause to the environment through our eating habits was shocking. Our food choices have a profound impact on the planet," he says.
Not only are there environmental consequences, but our food choices also directly affect our health. Nate believes that aligning our diet with what's good for the planet can also benefit our personal well-being. "I see our relationship with food as one of the biggest challenges our generation faces," he explains. That's why Urban Leaf is all about making sustainable, healthy eating accessible to everyone.
Facing Challenges and Finding Solutions
Starting a company isn't easy, especially when you're venturing into the world of hardware production in a city like NYC. "There are plenty of people who understand tech here, but finding those who get hardware is rare," Nate notes. Despite these challenges, Nate and his team have found ways to innovate. "We began with 3D printing, which, although costly compared to traditional methods, allows us to be flexible and responsive to customer feedback," he says.
Are you interested in learning more about innovative gardening tools? Check out our Hydroponic Indoor Garden Kit and see how easy it is to start your own urban garden!
Advice for Aspiring Founders
For anyone thinking of starting their own venture, Nate has some valuable advice: "Focus on the customer. Find someone you feel passionate about helping and ask them about their problems. Then, figure out how to solve those problems." This customer-first approach ensures that you're doing something meaningful and impactful every day. "It's much more fulfilling to wake up every day knowing you're making a difference," Nate adds.
Urban Leaf's Next Steps
Looking ahead, Urban Leaf has exciting plans. "We're launching our first product on Kickstarter this May," Nate reveals. The product, called the World’s Smallest Garden, is perfect for those with limited space or time. It uses patented hydroponic technology to grow plants right out of a bottle, making it the ideal solution for busy urbanites.
Stay updated on our journey and new product launches by following us on social media @geturbanleaf. And if you're curious about our journey, you can learn more about our story on our blog.
The Role of CVC in Urban Leaf's Growth
The Columbia Venture Community (CVC) has been a crucial part of Urban Leaf's development. "CVC has provided an incredible network of support and resources," Nate reflects. "The collaboration and assistance from this group have been invaluable."
Final Thoughts
Urban Leaf is on a mission to transform how we interact with our food. By making urban gardening accessible and enjoyable, they're helping people live healthier, more sustainable lives. If you're ready to start your own urban garden journey, explore our range of products and see how you can grow fresh, healthy food at home.
Don't miss out on future updates! Follow Urban Leaf on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for more tips and inspiration.
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