Jenn, our farmer, is a Colorado native who grew up in Aurora, CO. Her grandfather was a farmer in Welby, CO, and she has vivid memories of watching him work the fields beside his childhood home—a beautiful, white farmhouse with a large barn in the back, filled with farm tools and antiques. He had a special talent for growing sweet, delicious celery, just in time for Thanksgiving.

Though Jenn chose to study Accounting and Finance at the University of Colorado, Colorado Springs (UCCS), her love of plants and gardening remained a constant passion and a peaceful escape after long days spent crunching numbers. Her dream of becoming a “farm girl” and owning land of her own never faded.

One sleepless night, Jenn found herself scouring the internet for available farmland around Colorado Springs. After hours of research, she came across a property that immediately captured her imagination. She poured over the listing, re-reading the description and studying the photos. After researching everything from funding options to well water regulations, Jenn decided to call it a night. The clock read 1:11 AM. With her history of experiencing what she calls "God Winks" and a special connection to the number 11, she couldn’t resist the urge to Google “1:11 Bible verses.” The first result she found was:

“Then God said, “Let the land produce vegetation: seed-bearing plants and trees on the land that bear fruit with seed in it, according to their various kinds.” And it was so.”

- Genesis 1:11 NIV

In that moment, Jenn knew God was guiding her to pursue her dream of starting a farm. From that day on, she threw herself into everything related to farming. She signed up for courses, devoured books, listened to farming podcasts, and watched countless YouTube videos. She attended farming seminars, went to Bee School, and—most importantly—she got her hands in the dirt! Her first season, she started two honeybee hives, planted five fruit trees, and grew as much produce as she could for her family and friends.

The rest, as they say, is history. One Eleven Neighborhood Farm officially started its first season in 2021, and it has been an amazing journey ever since. We’re thrilled to have you along for the ride!

2024 UPDATE

As for that original land purchase in Colorado Springs—it didn’t work out. But in January 2024, Jenn and her husband, Ryan, found the perfect property in the small town of Belleville, Arkansas, and it’s everything she’d hoped for and more! The new farm reminds her of her grandfather’s farm—complete with the charming, white farmhouse and the spacious barn that’s perfect for storing tools and antiques. It’s a full-circle moment, as she feels deeply connected to her roots and believes in the legacy of their new land.

This new chapter is an exciting new adventure! We’re grateful for all the support from you, our farm family, and we’re excited to share this new journey with you as we settle into our new home and farm in Arkansas!