Today we’d like to introduce you to LaWann Stribling.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
With my return to Cannabis in 2018 as a Medical Patient, it piqued my interest in what other plants can I grow aside from flowers. I advocated for home grow access for the residents in Maryland so I, along with others, can feel safe while utilizing nature for healing. In early spring 2020 our youngest daughter was tasked with growing her own bean from seed for a Kindergarten project. Since I was a daycare provider, I thought it would be great for us all to participate in growing a bean from seed. We choose black eyed peas due to their ancestral lineage and so we could benefit by eating our own food for that upcoming New Year Dinner. Not too long after we sowed our beans COVID-19 made its appearance which was extremely devastating. With that devastation allowed us to be home in quarantine so we added tomatoes, peppers, herbs and other flowers to grow from seed and see what happens.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
When my daycare was operational it wasn’t so difficult because I had the funding source to support beginning farming. Once COVID-19 changed our livelihood along with a shoulder and back injury serious challenges began. The main struggle is access to capital and or financial support. This is one of the biggest roadblocks along with individuals gate keeping and stealing intellectual property.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
My diverse ventures demonstrate a commitment to holistic community engagement and align with initiatives aimed at enhancing regional food systems and supporting cottage to mid-sized farm and food businesses.
As a family-owned bakery in Maryland, we specialize in scratch-made desserts like cakes, cookies, brownies, and pies, utilizing primarily farmed, organic and non-GMO ingredients. The bakery offers local delivery, pickup, and shipping within Maryland, thereby expanding access to regional markets.
We adapted during COVID-19 by implementing curbside pickup and delivery services, demonstrating resilience and a focus on value-added opportunities.
Cann’A Woman Heal focuses on holistic health advocacy, particularly in educating and supporting women in healing from trauma through nature and exploration. Our emphasis on wellness complements the broader goal of fostering resilient communities, which is integral to sustainable regional development.
STRIB Flowers and Herbs Ancestral Farm cultivates native pollinators, flowers, herbs and some vegetables and fruit. Contributed to diversify post-harvest activities and enhancing the variety of regionally grown products by supplying local markets with our products which plays a role in strengthening regional food supply chains.
I am most proud of the full brand. Its literally dreams come to life, and I am so passionate about full rounded wellness. We cater to multigenerational families in every way.
Risk taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
One of the major risks I’ve been confronted with is financial instability, especially after losing my home daycare income, which was a primary funding source for my household and business operations. That loss forced me to rethink how I sustain and grow STRIB Flowers and Herbs Ancestral Farm without relying on a single stream of income. Rising costs for supplies, equipment, and food production have also added pressure.
Another major risk is limited access to capital. As a small, community-based, woman-led operation, it can be difficult to secure upfront funding needed to scale. Many grants require reimbursement, which creates barriers when you don’t have large reserves available.
I’ve also faced risks related to weather, crop loss, and market uncertainty. Farming is unpredictable, and urban agriculture comes with space limitations, zoning regulations, and seasonal shifts that impact production.
I deal with these risks by focusing on diversification and adaptability. I am expanding into value-added products, agritourism, and mobile sales to create multiple revenue streams. I build partnerships within the community and regional food networks to strengthen support systems. I continue investing in education, compliance, and strategic planning to ensure long-term sustainability.
Most importantly, I stay committed to my mission. Every challenge has pushed me to become more resilient, creative, and intentional about building a business that serves both my family and my community.
Contact Info:
- Website: weresurviving.com and stribbletreats.com
- Instagram: @farmonahill @stribble_treats @cannawomanheal
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stribbledistrictllc/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@stribbletreats/featured
