Bryanna Kumpula, Executive Leadership for the Non-Profit Sector '09, is the owner of Bar OA Farms, a cut-flower farm in Strathcona County known for its sustainable practices and immersive on-farm experiences. Recognized nationally with the Culinary Tourism Award from the Tourism Industry Association of Canada, Kumpula is preparing to kick off another busy season. We caught up with her to talk about her journey, her work in food security, and the lessons she’s learned along the way.

How did Bar OA Farms get started?

Bar OA Farms began in 2017 when my husband Gary and I were planning our wedding. It was difficult to find high-quality dahlias locally, so we decided to grow them ourselves – digging up the sod in our Edmonton yard and planting 200 dahlia plants. From there, word spread, and we eventually expanded to a small plot in Strathcona County. As demand grew, I realized I wanted to create a space where people could experience the farm firsthand, not just buy bouquets. Our first farm-to-table dinner launched in 2022, and now we offer garden parties, date nights, brunches, coffee tastings and moonlit dinners – connecting people to flowers and the land.

Tell us a bit about your time at MacEwan. How did that experience set the stage for your work today?

I studied in the Executive Leadership in the Non-Profit Sector program while working in that field. The skills I developed – community building, collaboration, resource leveraging and advocacy – have all played a role in growing Bar OA Farms and the partnerships that support our broader food-security initiatives.

Sustainability and community are central to Bar OA Farms. Where did those values take root, and how do they guide your operations today?

Those values started early for me. I grew up on a small family farm where environmental stewardship and resourcefulness were a way of life. We used practices like crop rotation, composting and natural soil management long before they were buzzwords. At Bar OA Farms, we continue to build a small, sustainable ecosystem – reducing single- use plastics, composting and using soil-health practices that support biodiversity. Today, we’re proud to have habitats for birds, pollinators and the Western Tiger Salamander on the farm.

You’re deeply committed to improving food access and security. What initiatives are you most proud of?

I’m especially proud of the Stone Soup Food Centre, a collaborative project that goes beyond food rescue to create a space for growing, cooking and cultural connection. The Kids Edible Garden program is another highlight – it introduces children to gardening and food skills in a hands-on way. And the Métis Horticulture Project, developed in partnership with the Métis Settlements General Council, focuses on reclaiming traditional food practices and supporting food sovereignty across Alberta’s Métis Settlements.

What can someone planning to visit Bar OA Farms expect?

Every visit is designed to connect guests to the land and the senses. Depending on the season, you might handpick flowers during a U-pick, craft your own herbal tea blends or enjoy a farm-to-table meal with ingredients you gathered yourself. It’s not just about seeing the farm – it’s about experiencing it.

What advice would you share with MacEwan students or alumni dreaming of starting a purpose-driven business?

Start before you feel ready – and stay rooted in your “why.” Purpose-driven businesses are built on passion, but they grow through persistence, clarity and community. Surround yourself with people who believe in your vision, stay open to learning and don’t wait for things to be perfect. Progress matters more than perfection.

Favourite flower to grow?

Dahlias! They come in so many different forms and colours, and while they’re tricky to overwinter, their beauty makes it all worth it.