We’re looking forward to introducing you to Phy N Barker. Check out our conversation below.
Phy N, really appreciate you sharing your stories and insights with us. The world would have so much more understanding and empathy if we all were a bit more open about our stories and how they have helped shaped our journey and worldview. Let’s jump in with a fun one: When have you felt most loved—and did you believe you deserved it?
I felt the most loved more recently when I was battling a personal matter and my Aunt came up to me at church. She told me “welcome back P”. It was a moment between us that no one around us could understand but, I understood it clearly. I do believe I deserved to have felt the most love in that moment; it was a process that I was pulling myself out of and that moment gave me the motivation to keep moving forward.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Phylicia Barker is a dynamic third-generation farmer with more than 20 years of expertise in specialty crops, livestock, and agribusiness. As the proud owner and manager of The Stovall Roadside Farmers’ Market in Stovall, North Carolina, Phylicia embodies a rich family legacy that started with her grandfather and father. Having spent over two decades suppling fresh, local produce to her community, she stands as a testament to the power of dedication and connection. As a fifth -generation Black woman from Sassafras Fork Township, NC, Phylicia is deeply rooted in her heritage.
Beyond her farming endeavors, Phylicia is passionately committed to empowering young and aspiring farmers. She offers invaluable guidance in establishing their agribusinesses, drawing on her extensive background in marketing, sales, and land stewardship to elevate local agriculture.
Now, Phylicia is stepping forward to run for Town Commissioner in Stovall, her cherished hometown. Her platform is centered on an urgent mission: food security for all residents. She believes that everyone, especially our elderly community members, deserves access to fresh, nutritious food and the right to never go hungry.
Through her unwavering commitment and visionary leadership, Phylicia is poised to make a transformative impact, enhancing her community and paving the way for a sustainable future.
Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. Who taught you the most about work?
Growing up in an entrepreneurship family, I’ve been around people working my entire life. My papa has been farming for over five decades. My father has been following his footsteps for the last three decades. My grandmother has my own nonprofit Operation Spring Plant Inc. my mother’s family comes from entrepreneurship just as well my uncle owns Two successful businesses and has his own YouTube channel. My cousin has his own business just as well, so I come up around working hard people who have been dedicated to their communities my entire life. I don’t know any other way of life and living.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
Girl, no matter what someone says that you cannot do always remember that you could do anything that you put your mind and power to. You were built strong from birth; you are different be OK with being different and being weird. It’s gonna open up so many more doors for you than you could ever imagine.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. Is the public version of you the real you?
I can honestly say the public sees more of me than my family do. I come from a big family so sometimes my “superpowers ” get hidden because there’s so many different personalities within our family. My mother is the third child out of four kids and I’m the seventh grandchild out of 12. And my dad’s family, my dad is the second child out of five. I’m the first grandchild out of 12. So we can get loud at times. But the public gets to see the true authentic me because I don’t have to dim my light or blend in with anybody. I can truly be myself and not fit in and be perfectly flawed and it be okay.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
I hope the story that people tell about me when I’m gone is that I loved my family. I was a loyal friend and I truly cared about my community; I come from a small community. My community is also my home and I cherish it so much. I hope my community and the people in the surrounding area knows how much I truly love being able to help and assist my communicating the best way I can.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: Leos_diamond
- Facebook: Phylicia N Barker
- Other: Facebook: Stovall Roadside Farmer’s Market
