From Spreadsheets to Sprouts: Chia-Ming Ro on L.A.'s Foodscaping Frontier

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 Podcast01:05 Introducing Chia-Ming and Coastal Homestead02:21 Chia's Journey from Finance to Foodscaping05:02 The Philosophy of Foodscaping10:31 Balancing Aesthetics and Production13:51 Challenges and Strategies in Foodscaping17:09 The Importance of Client Relationships20:32 Seasonal Refreshes and Maintenance28:55 Focusing on Education and Mentoring29:49 The Educator's Vision30:17 2025 Foodscaper Conference30:58 Stark Brothers Sponsorship31:40 Client Mentorship and Education32:48 Small Business Mentorship34:41 Shifting Business Focus36:51 Design and Installation Insights46:10 Social Media and Marketing Strategies52:14 Curating Clientele and Networking57:21 Future Vision for Foodscaping58:28 Closing Remarks and Podcast OutroCoastal HomesteadStark BrosEpic Gardening