Meet Maurice Person | Owner/ Operator

We had the good fortune of connecting with Maurice Person and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Maurice, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
As a Black urban grower, access to resources and land were limited and I wanted a way to keep my nutrients on my property as well as save water. I started doing research on Aquaponics for about a year before I set up a system in my home. After successfully growing tomatoes and cucumbers in our guest bedroom, I decided that people should learn how to do this. In addition to opening Kansas City’s first indoor fish farm, we were a grocery store, an art gallery and an the pick up spot for our CSA members.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
My business has morphed into an all around garden installation/maintenance program. In addition to teaching aquaponics on a medium to large scale, and giving workshops to schools and organizations, we offer installations of systems that can be used to grow food or breed fish. Our biggest seller is our raised bed gardens for people who want to grow using traditional soil gardening. I am sure that we have the best deal around town for getting started with your home garden. In addition to providing the soil and plants, we offer drip irrigation and bi-monthly assistance.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I’m fairly new to Atlanta, so I am still learning the area, however one of my favorite places to go will always be Amicalola Falls. It’s a nice hike to the top of the waterfall and the view is breathtaking. In addition to being a great trail to hike, I have ran across foxes, raccoons, deer and black bears. I love being out in nature exploring the outdoors. I also love taking pictures of wildlife.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Both my Grandfather and Grandmother played a very pivotal role in helping me develop my love for growing and sticking my hands in the soil. Joe and Mary Person taught me how to cultivate the land and plant beautiful flowers around the light pole and landscape the front. In addition to having a garden to feed their 11 children and over 60 grandchildren, they were very active in their community. They taught me how to treat people right and do good for your neighborhood. My grandfather, Joe was an entrepreneur as well and started many businesses including the Black Business Chamber of Commerce, A BBQ restaurant and a car detailing business. He helped my grandmother start a daycare and the Head Start program in our city. Very proud of his legacy.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ultrablackfarmer

Image Credits
Maurice Person