Roots & Shoots Beginnings

Hi, I’m Brianne Oliveira or Brie for short — a chef turned farmer, though I never imagined I’d end up here.
When I moved to Florida at 22, I came with nothing but a suitcase, faith, and determination to build a new life from the ground up. Far from everything I knew in New York, I found myself starting over — working hard, taking whatever jobs came my way, and slowly carving a path forward.

Through those early years in small bar kitchens, I discovered a deep love for food — not just the creativity behind it, but the way it connects people. That passion pushed me into fine dining, where I learned artistry, precision, and discipline. But the higher I climbed, the more I noticed the disconnect — ingredients traveling thousands of miles, flavors fading before they reached the plate, and a growing distance between the food we serve and the soil it comes from.

That’s when something inside me began to shift.

My journey into growing started because of a chef I worked closely with, someone who saw my curiosity and suggested I check out the Coral Springs Community Garden. Around the same time, I watched one of my coworkers take compost home after every shift, and I found myself intrigued — I wanted to understand why.

That simple moment planted a seed in me. I decided to visit the garden, and what I found changed everything.

The first time I placed my hands in the soil, something clicked — I felt a peace I hadn’t known before. Watching seeds sprout, feeling the rhythm of nature, and seeing life happen right in front of me opened my eyes to a whole new world. I felt like for the first time I was contributing to something greater than me, I was bringing life into a world that so desperately needs it. That’s where my connection to food and nature truly began.

It was also where I first discovered medicinal plants — learning how much of what we use in our daily lives comes from them, and how deeply nature supports our health and wellbeing. That realization lit a fire in me. I started studying, asking questions, and spending every free moment learning more about the healing power of plants and the magic within nature itself.

 👩‍🌾 From Chef to Grower 

While working in fine dining, I was introduced to microgreens — these tiny, powerful greens that carried so much flavor, color, and life in just one bite. They fascinated me. I saw them as art — living ingredients that could transform a dish completely.

Eventually, I decided to take a leap. I stepped out of the kitchen full-time, started working part-time, and dedicated the rest of my time to learning how to grow. It wasn’t easy — I taught myself through endless hours of research, trial and error, and a lot of faith.

Over time, I learned how to build and control growing environments — how to manage climate, humidity, airflow, and lighting. I picked up basic HVAC skills, learned the importance of water and air quality, and even taught myself simple electrical work. Every new skill made me more capable and confident — proof that you can grow anything with care and persistence, even yourself.

Now, my mission is simple:
To grow fresh, local, nutrient-dense food, harvested to order, never sitting on a shelf, and always grown with intention and heart.

Every tray of microgreens and every edible flower bloom is a reflection of what I believe food should be — vibrant, natural, and full of life. These aren’t just garnishes; they’re living bursts of flavor and energy that connect us back to the earth.

My chef’s eye still guides everything I do — I think about colors, textures, and balance. But now, I grow with purpose — to help others experience what real food tastes like and how it makes you feel.

Roots & Shoots isn’t just a farm — it’s a movement toward a better food system. One that values what’s local, seasonal, and sustainable. One that supports our community, honors nature, and reminds us that small acts — like planting a seed — can change everything.

Farming was never in my plans, but looking back, every kitchen, every garden visit, every lesson, and every struggle led me exactly where I was meant to be.

My philosophy is simple:

“When you grow with care, you cultivate health, beauty, and flavor — not just on the plate, but in people’s lives and for our planet.”
 

And I hold close the words that remind me of how far faith and small beginnings can go:

“Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.”
— Matthew 17:20
 

I came to Florida alone, with nothing but a suitcase — and through faith, hard work, and the beauty of nature, I found my purpose. I’ve been blessed with this opportunity to grow not only plants but a community — rooted in connection, trust, and love for the earth.

💚 Let’s grow together — one seed, one tray, one connection at a time.

Every step I take is rooted in community, sustainability, and creativity. Whether you’re a chef, caterer, restaurant, hotel, country club, or simply someone who believes in better food, I’d love to grow something beautiful with you.

📞 Call/Text: 954-507-7417

📸 Instagram: @rootsandshootsmicrogreens

🌐 Website: rootsandshoots.farm