Biography

Meet Karen Fair, the passionate mind behind GrowSumthin, a virtual hub where she shares her passion for growing gardens, promoting sustainable initiatives, and beautification of communities. She is a Native of Chicago and resides in the sixth ward. Karen has begun a movement to inspire the gardener in us all. She believes in sharing the simplicities of gardening and helping you to enjoy the journey. She holds a Masters’ of Arts in Community Psychology and believes GrowSumthin allows her to combine her two loves which are people and plants.

Through her website, workshops, and speaking engagements, she guides gardening enthusiasts of all levels on how to nurture plants in harmony with nature. From urban apartment dwellers to suburban gardeners, from tomatoes to hibiscus, she believes anyone can be empowered to grow things given enough patience and dedication.

Over the years she has taught gardening at University of Chicago Lab; presented her “Recipe for A Happy Garden” at the Green and Growing Summit for Chicago Public Schools, ongoing relationships with Emerald South Economic Development, Urban Growers Collective and Grow Greater Englewood. She sits on the Advisory Board for Chicago Grows Food and the Board of Directors at Sunflower City.  Her gardening skill set has ranged from educating toddlers to elders. She has worked with early child care centers, community gardens, churches, restaurants, personal homes, farmer’s market and senior living.

She invites you to explore the world of gardening and sustainability with her at:

• Website: www.growsumthin.com (https://www.growsumthin.com/)
• Email: becky@growsumthin.com 
• Social Media: @growsumthin (Instagram)
• Mobile: 312.375.0442