40 Under 20 2017 Edition | Page 7

Featured Article - Antonio S. Hall - Green Leaf Farms “One of the most influential lessons learnt being an entrepreneur is never remain stagnant…always evolve!” Antonio Hall, “Crazy Farma” Green Leaf Farms is described by its founder, Antonio S. Hall as a ‘happy fusion’ of agriculture and architecture. After returning home from university, Antonio worked as an architect in 2 of the most prestigious architectural firms in The Bahamas. Antonio explained that there was indeed a greater calling for his life, and that greater calling was pursuing his passion as a farmer. Driven from what he believes is a call from God, Antonio knew that leaving the sure for the unsure was a decision that had to be made if he was to achieve the ultimate happiness of fulfilling his purpose and working in his passion. “Leaving a secure career as an architect and leaping into the unknown was the scariest decision of my life; however, I have absolutely no regrets.” Mr. Hall explained that he was criticized by many, however, surrounding himself with likeminded individuals that were wiser and more experienced than he, proved to be beneficial. Surprisingly, these business savvy individuals later became mentors. Antonio explained that he began to have crystal clear visions of what he was placed on this earth to do. “When you find out what your purpose is in life, block out the noise and get to work! Every minute spent not working in you passion is time wasted.” Founded in 2012, Green Leaf Farms is a boutique farm specializing in growing a number of culinary herbs and edible flowers. The small but mighty Green Leaf Farms (GLF) operates on a 60’ x 110’ parcel of land in the South Beach community on the southern end of the island of New Providence. They pride themselves on being an efficient company that runs their business on the roots of honesty and transparency. “One of our main goals is to change the mindset towards farming in The Bahamas. We’re farming SEXY!” Besides growing the best in culinary herbs and edible flowers, Green Leaf Farms designs and constructs custom private gardens for commercial and residential properties. The design style of the custom gardens are contemporary and modern and are definitely in line with the concept of “farming sexy”. Green Leaf Farms takes great pride in providing high quality Antonio S. Hall - Green Leaf Farms products and pays close attention to details ensuring that . every customer and client experiences the GLF passion With a list of over 20 varieties of herbs Green Leaf Farms currently supplies a number of restaurants, private chefs as well as the home cooks with culinary herbs. On social media Green Leaf Farms also promotes a recipe series where they partner with locally based chefs to create dishes for others to try. Green Leaf Farms also participates in the Island House Farmer’s market where they always have a number of different fresh herbs for customers to choose from. Additionally in efforts to create a “zero wastage” site, Green Leaf Farms now provides Herbal Sea Salt Blends, Herb Infused Extra Virgin Olive Oil and Herb Infused Vinegars. Antonio explained that Green Leaf Farms is not a one person operation. Green Leaf Farms is a team that comprises of his beautiful and very supportive wife, a faithful and dedicated staff and immediate family members. Antonio is proud to say that Green Leaf Farms is here to stay for a very long time and will continue to contribute to the Bahamian culinary experience for those who value and enjoy great ingredients!