In this episode of the Foodscaper Podcast, host Matt Lebon welcomes Chia-Ming Ro, owner of Coastal Homestead.

They discuss Chia-Ming's transition from a finance career to becoming a foodscaper, focusing on designing, installing, and maintaining food-producing landscapes. Chia-Ming shares her experiences, including how the pandemic influenced her career change, the benefits of food gardening, and the importance of educating clients.

They also cover marketing strategies, the impact of social media, and the evolution of her business model towards content creation and mentorship. The episode is supported by sponsors Epic Gardening and Stark Bros Nursery.

00:00 Welcome to the Foodscaper Podcast

01:05 Introducing Chia-Ming and Coastal Homestead

02:21 Chia's Journey from Finance to Foodscaping

05:02 The Philosophy of Foodscaping

10:31 Balancing Aesthetics and Production

13:51 Challenges and Strategies in Foodscaping

17:09 The Importance of Client Relationships

20:32 Seasonal Refreshes and Maintenance

28:55 Focusing on Education and Mentoring

29:49 The Educator's Vision

30:17 2025 Foodscaper Conference

30:58 Stark Brothers Sponsorship

31:40 Client Mentorship and Education

32:48 Small Business Mentorship

34:41 Shifting Business Focus

36:51 Design and Installation Insights

46:10 Social Media and Marketing Strategies

52:14 Curating Clientele and Networking

57:21 Future Vision for Foodscaping

58:28 Closing Remarks and Podcast Outro

Coastal Homestead

Stark Bros

Epic Gardening