Today we’d like to introduce you to Amanda Alvarado.
Hi Amanda, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
From Darkness to Growth: A Journey of Faith, Healing, and Harvest
Our story began in 2020, the year the world shut down. I was silently battling postpartum depression, anxiety, and PTSD after giving birth to my miracle baby on December 18, 2019. He was born prematurely, and though he was released just before the pandemic hit, I was overwhelmed. The weight of new motherhood, coupled with past trauma and the uncertainty of the world, brought me to my lowest point.
But in the midst of the darkness, God met me.
“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” – Psalm 34:18
Through it all, my best friend Launce, who is originally from Virginia, stood by my side. He saw my pain and gently introduced me to gardening—something I had never done before. To be honest, I didn’t think I could grow a thing. But around that same time, I began to truly seek God. And in His faithfulness, He met me where I was—broken, but willing.
“You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.” – Jeremiah 29:13
As we planted vegetables together, I was shocked by how naturally things began to grow in my care. Launce was too! We quickly realized I had a green thumb. But more than that, something else was happening—I was healing. With each seed planted, with each sprout that broke through the soil, I felt the presence of God nurturing my soul.
“So neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow.” – 1 Corinthians 3:7
The garden became my sanctuary, a sacred space where I found peace, purpose, and passion. I decided to return to school, even though I had been out for four years and was now a mother. My heart was set on learning more about farming—not just to grow food, but to nourish communities and souls. I wanted to feed people both physically and spiritually.
By God’s grace, I earned my B.A. in Agribusiness from Texas A&M Commerce, followed by a Master’s in Sustainable Agriculture. I’m now completing a second Master’s in Agricultural Leadership and Community.
In October 2024, I launched my microgreen microfarm business. What started in a backyard blossomed into a mission—traveling to farmers’ markets across San Antonio, Castroville, Devine, Garden Ridge, Seguin, Cibolo, Schertz, and Somerset. We’ve been sharing not just microgreens, but knowledge, love, and the Word of God.
“The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few.” – Matthew 9:37
Through every step, Launce has remained by my side. His support, faith, and belief in me never wavered. What began as a friendship rooted in compassion has grown into something beautiful. Today, we walk this path together—not just as partners in life, but as stewards of the land and God’s love.
This journey has taught me that God truly brings beauty from ashes.
“To all who mourn…He will give a crown of beauty for ashes, a joyous blessing instead of mourning, festive praise instead of despair.” – Isaiah 61:3
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
No, it hasn’t been a smooth road. Healing is often difficult, and facing the pain—especially when you’ve been conditioned to suppress it—is one of the hardest things a person can do. For so long, I lived in a constant state of fight or flight because of unresolved trauma. My mind was always on high alert, and rest felt unsafe. Peace was unfamiliar.
“Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me.” – Psalm 23:4
The self-doubt was always there, whispering that I wasn’t enough—that maybe I was crazy for believing this path could lead to purpose and healing. I questioned if I was really capable of changing my story, of growing something beautiful out of the brokenness.
“But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.” – 2 Corinthians 12:9
Yet even in the moments of doubt and fear, God was faithful. He always brought peace to my heart and mind when I needed it most. His presence quieted the storm inside me, and little by little, He replaced fear with faith and despair with hope.
“You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.” – Isaiah 26:3
“When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought me joy.” – Psalm 94:19
“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” – Joshua 1:9
God reassured me every step of the way—through His Word, through the stillness of the garden, and through the people He placed in my life. Especially Launce, who walked with me through every valley and helped me believe in the beauty of what could be.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Emmanuel Micro Farm?
About Our Business: Cultivating Purpose Through Food and Faith
I am a microgreen farmer with a deep-rooted passion for sustainable agriculture and regenerative growing practices. What began as a personal journey of healing has grown into a purpose-driven business aimed at feeding both the body and soul. At the heart of our work is a commitment to producing clean, nutrient-dense food in a way that honors the land, our health, and God’s creation.
We specialize in growing fresh, organic microgreens, known for their intense flavor, high nutrient density, and powerful health benefits. But we don’t stop there. Beyond the trays of microgreens, I’ve transformed less than half an acre of our backyard into a thriving urban microfarm—a living example of what’s possible, even with limited space. Here, we practice companion planting, natural pest management, and intentional crop rotation to restore and nourish the soil, without the use of any pesticides or herbicides.
“The Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it.” – Genesis 2:15
Our mission is to make clean, fresh, and truly organic food affordable and accessible to all—not just those with wealth or privilege. We believe everyone deserves the opportunity to nourish themselves and their families with wholesome food that heals, not harms.
What sets us apart is not just what we grow, but how and why we grow it. Every seed is planted with care, every tray tended with prayer, and every harvest shared with the community comes with a message of hope, faith, and restoration.
“So whatever you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” – 1 Corinthians 10:31
I’m proud that our brand doesn’t just sell microgreens—we plant seeds of change. We’re known in our local markets not only for our high-quality produce but also for educating our customers about the benefits of growing their own food, promoting food sovereignty, and fostering connection between the land and our communities.
We want our readers to know that when you support our business, you’re not just buying a product—you’re joining a movement. A movement toward health, healing, sustainability, and spirit-led stewardship of the Earth.
“They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of His splendor.” – Isaiah 61:3
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
Advice for Those Just Starting Out
Before I officially opened my business, someone gave me these words: “Go out and fail—and do it again.” At first, it was a shock to hear that. But over time, I came to understand the beauty in that message. Failure isn’t the end—it’s a teacher. I’ve learned to embrace failure because it gives me the opportunity to grow, adjust, and continue moving forward. We’re not always going to get it right the first time, and that’s okay. The key is to keep going. Keep growing.
“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.” – James 1:2-3
Running a business takes endurance—it is not for the faint of heart. Every seed we plant, every tray we prepare, every early morning market setup—it’s all done in faith. We don’t always see the outcome right away, but we trust the process, and more importantly, we trust the One who gave us the vision in the first place.
“For we walk by faith, not by sight.” – 2 Corinthians 5:7
If I could change one thing, it would be to start sooner. But even in that, I’ve come to understand: everything happens in God’s perfect timing. What seemed like a delay was really preparation. He was building my faith, strengthening my foundation, and aligning everything for His purpose.
“There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.” – Ecclesiastes 3:1
So to anyone just starting out: don’t fear failure—embrace it as part of your journey. Walk in faith. And remember, you don’t have to have it all figured out. Just start. God will meet you where you are and walk with you every step of the way.
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