Meet Jacob Saenz | Microgreens Farmer

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

Hi Jacob, how did you come up with the idea for your business?
My business idea was sparked by inspiration from leaders in the microgreens industry, like Donny Greens and Tyler from North Fresh Farms. I first learned about microgreens and the benefits of growing your own food through Tyler’s videos. He demonstrated how easy it is to grow fresh, nutrient-packed produce, which is far superior to what you typically find in stores. Seeing him turn this into a full-time business really resonated with me, as someone already passionate about health, wellness, and growing my own food. I thought, ‘Why not take that leap and turn this into a business?’ It felt like a natural extension of my love for plants and my desire to share the benefits of a healthy lifestyle with others. Through microgreens, I can now share that passion in a meaningful and impactful way.

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 focuses on microgreens, which are young vegetable greens harvested after just 7-10 days of growth. These tiny plants pack a punch with their delicate textures, vibrant colors, and distinctive flavors, while offering a nutrient density up to 40 times higher than their fully-grown counterparts. What truly sets me apart is my passion for what I do—I’d still be growing microgreens even if I wasn’t getting paid, because I find the entire process enjoyable. From planting the seeds to watching them grow, harvesting, and finally handing them over to my customers, each step brings me joy.

A unique part of my approach is that I talk to my greens, giving them words of encouragement daily, all while playing binaural beats in the background. This has actually led to bigger and healthier crops overall. What excites me most is creating different salad mixes using a variety of microgreens, each with its own unique benefits to help heal and nourish the body. I’m excited to share these amazing little plants with my community and beyond!

As for how I got to where I am in business, it took a lot of leaps of faith. When I started, I had no idea if the first trays would even sell or if people would be interested. It definitely wasn’t easy. One challenge I faced early on was keeping up with demand—I was selling out each week, which was a great problem to have, but it pushed me to grow more. I overcame this by adjusting how much seed I used per tray and expanding to a larger setup with more trays to support the demand.

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is the importance of patience and trusting the process. These microgreens have been wonderful teachers in showing me that everything happens in its own time. I’ve learned to let go of expectations and, in doing so, I’ve been blessed with more each time.

What I want the world to know about my brand is that it was born from a deep passion to help people feel more vibrant, starting with the food we eat. I’ve always believed in the saying, ‘health is wealth,’ and prioritizing my health has made me feel wealthier each day. My goal is to help a million people transform their lives by adding just one simple thing—microgreens—to their daily diet.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?

If my best friend were visiting from out of town, I’d make sure to show them the best of what Houston has to offer, starting with some beautiful nature spots. First, we’d head to River Grove Park in the Kingwood area on the north side. The walking trail there is tucked deep in nature, right next to the San Jacinto River—perfect for a peaceful, scenic walk. After that, we’d grab a bite at The Food Zone, which features a wide range of food trucks offering cuisines from all over Houston. It’s the perfect spot to enjoy diverse flavors in a vibrant atmosphere. Once we’re fueled up, we’d get ready for an EDM show at Stereo Live, followed by exploring Houston’s exciting nightlife.

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?
I’d love to recognize a few people who have not only inspired me to take action in my business but have also motivated me to keep pushing forward in life, even when I haven’t yet seen the results. First and foremost, I want to acknowledge my girlfriend of five years. She’s been a tremendous influence, not only on my entrepreneurial journey but also in life. She has been my rock and foundation during challenging times, especially through the early stages of building my microgreens business.

I’d also like to recognize Tyler Blohm from North Fresh Farms. He inspired me to take action in the world of microgreens, showing me that I could grow my own food and support my local community. His example of leaving his job to pursue this full-time was a major motivator for me, proving that if he could do it, so could I.

Finally, Donny Greens has been another key influence. With over six years of experience in commercial microgreens farming, his guidance has been invaluable in helping me fine-tune both the business and growing aspects. Seeing him start in his parents’ basement and grow into owning his own farm inspires me to believe that this could be my path too.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bevibrantfarms/profilecard/?igsh=MTBrNnEwNTMzbHlsaw==