A Taste of Organic Farming with Rolling Hills

Steph is smiling with some of Rolling Hills'  famous carrots, freshly harvested!

    Thinkubator Media had the opportunity to see into the world of organic farming with Stephanie Spock of Rolling Hills Farm in New Jersey. From providing local farmers’ markets, retailers, and restaurants, to planting and picking every carefully chosen crop, the Rolling Hills family tends to every level of operation with their bare hands. This labor of love has become a tight-knit, honest, and passionate community, spearheaded by Stephanie and her husband, John, along with their daughter, sweet little Nellie. From Earth to table, we got a chance to understand how and why they do it all. Stephanie beautifully illustrated the shared passion and dedication of the Rolling Hills family and team. 

A Farmland Love Story

    “At Rolling Hills Farm, organic farming isn’t just a method — it’s a mission. Our journey began with a deep desire to grow food that we’d be proud to feed our own family — clean, nutrient-rich, vibrant food grown in living soil. Over time, that desire grew into a calling to share this food with our wider community. From there, we've been able to help transform people's thinking about farming, health, and sustainability. 

    "I (Stephanie) majored in Environmental Science and Geology, where I realized one of the most tangible solutions to environmental issues was to change how our food was grown. After my first farming internship in Alaska, I fell in love with the land. John majored in philosophy and political science. After college, he traveled to Europe to live on farms. When he came home, he got his first farm job at Double Brook Farm, where we met. 

    "A mix of grit and hard work, a love of good food, and a shared vision for a healthier world inspired us on our journey as a family of farmers. Our farmers’ resilience, entrepreneurial drive, and compassionate hearts are the pillars of our growing farm and brand. Our growth has been incremental and intentional. We've invested in equipment that improves post-harvest processing, built strong local markets through CSA programs, and continue expanding into new territories like NY, NJ, and PA. Each season teaches us something new, and we are devoted students."

What Does it Take to be an Organic Farmer?

    "Becoming an organic farmer took years of learning — from hands-on apprenticeships to building the systems and infrastructure that now support our diversified operation. We didn’t inherit a perfect setup; we built it.

The team that started it all; the power couple Stephanie and John Squiccaiano

    There’s nothing more rewarding than walking the fields just before harvest and seeing the results of months of mindful labor — rows of glowing heirloom tomatoes, crisp specialty greens, or peppers among the many other crops we grow. It's knowing that what we grow will nourish families and support regional food security.

    "But the challenges are real. Organic farming demands a deeper understanding of ecology, plant biology, and soil health. There's no chemical shortcut when weeds take over, pests get ambitious, or a late frost surprises us. The work is physical, relentless, and often weather-dependent. But those hard days also make the wins that much sweeter.”

    Although they all serve a greater purpose, not all organic farms are created equal. 

    “We go beyond USDA standards. At Rolling Hills, we prioritize regenerative practices that restore soil fertility, biodiversity, and water cycles. Our produce doesn’t just meet the organic label — it’s vibrant, flavorful, and nutrient-dense. 

    "What sets us apart is our connection to the communities we serve and our transparency. We're hands-on with every aspect — from seed to harvest, and packing CSA shares to selling at market. Our products are 100% traceable, our practices are rooted in care, and our mission is always growing.

    "Currently, we are expanding our crops and winter growing each year. This winter, we are leading research on crops that can be grown throughout our region for the winter."

John tending to some tasty broccoli.

 Support Local Farmers Today!

   Farming is nothing short of knitty-gritty. Long hours guided by natural rhythms are accented by quiet nights surrounded by loved ones and happily growing produce. Having experienced the produce myself, we get a taste of that love from those rolling hills in every bite. You can find more cute family photos and vibrant pictures of produce on their Instagram page  @rolling_hills_farm. You can also check out their website and join their newsletter for tasty recipes highlighting their seasonal goods. 

    From the team at Thinkubator Media, we want to thank the Rolling Hills team, with honorable mention to all of our farmers and their families who sustain our nation. You can support your local farmers by attending local farmers’ markets in your area or by visiting local farms. Some mobile programs can deliver fresh produce to people with limited transportation, but options may vary depending on location. 

    With massive budget cuts directly impacting many small, family-owned farms across the country, several organizations support and connect with farmers. Farm AID, OFRF, and SAFSF are just a few of the groups that continue to support our farmers.

    We can make our nation stronger in mind, body, and spirit. Starting with where we get our food. Supporting local farmers supports us, and that is the true heart of the American way.  

 

 

A New Day in Hair Care

    In the Black community, we take great pride in presenting ourselves to the world in unique ways that feel good. Whether honoring ancestral traditions or innovating with new styles, our fashion reflects the complexity of our essence and culture. Due to the unique textures on one head alone, styling and maintenance can be a challenge in this increasingly busy world of ours. A  variety of hair extensions and wigs offer stress-free and low-maintenance options that protect the hair while offering new and exciting opportunities to change things up.  

    Today, we express ourselves freely, though it comes with a hefty price tag. Oftentimes, cultural expression has been viewed as a threat in times of social unrest, leaving people afraid to live. The Louisiana Tignon Law of 1786 is a perfect example of how our skin, hair, and clothes have been the center of much speculation and policing; arguably, since time immemorial.  With similar laws sweeping the nation and even the world, we have still found ways to innovate and celebrate our uniqueness. Thankfully, we've evaded the times when our style was ordained by law, despite some residual judgment from loved ones and colleagues alike. Being that our mere existence has caused such a frenzy for centuries, Black women continue to show up boldly, loving ourselves and encouraging others to do the same!

A Hair Care Crisis

    After we appeared to master the art of self-expression with vibrant hair colors and styles, elaborate nails, and accessories to match, a new storm was brewing. Recent studies have found that some of these beloved beauty enhancements come with a plethora of side effects. Braiding hair has allowed Black women to get creative with their braided and twisted hairstyles. Relaxers have been popular for decades, making our hair more “manageable” for daily wear and styling. But after a National Institute of Health (NIH) 2022 study found that several popular relaxer brands contained carcinogens, their reliability came into question. There is an ongoing class action lawsuit, and we’ve seen a subsequent rise in natural hair styling options.  

    However, this new search for trusted hair styling go-tos has come with some murky discoveries. While many women have returned to natural hairstyles, hair wefts and extensions have soared in popularity. According to a Consumer Reports study, 100% of the braiding hair tested on the market was found to contain cancer-causing and hormone-disrupting chemicals. With many women, again, of all races, donning these extensions for several hours, multiple times a week, if not for weeks on end, they are blindly participating in the deterioration of their health. 

One of many setups used at a salon to make the styling go smoother for both client and stylist.

    Fortunately,  since 2020 alone, several women entrepreneurs have risen, entering the STEM field to formulate healthier synthetic hair alternatives and reclaim ownership in the hair industry. With beauty and hair care being such fundamental parts of self-care for Black women, we make up approximately 12% of beauty industry revenue, with only about 2% of brands being by and for Black consumers. These women, however, have taken a stand to bridge these economic gaps and improve synthetic hair quality for all. 

The Brands Reshaping the Hair Industry

    Tare Robinson Korumene of Nigeria has been turning plantain stems into beautiful and silky hair extensions under her growing startup, DUNNALLY Hair. Her products sell for about $7/pack though they are priced in naira, the currency used in her home of Nigeria. Korumene is adamant in her call to action, encouraging us to not only make the more sustainable choice for our health, but to improve our economic standing by supporting our communities. Robinson’s company, ECO Fip, also features eco-friendly textiles made from the same materials, showcasing the limitless potential of her sustainable goods. 

    The Rebundle brand by Ciara Imani May features the braidBetter product, offering customers several color options of plant-based and hypoallergenic synthetic hair. The site is filled with exciting tips and resources for hairstylists and clients alike. The Rebundle products are made from the fibers of banana stems, creating a durable and silky extension that rivals some of the highest quality human hair. With bundles starting at $36/pack, they are washable and reusable, making these well worth the investment. 

    Liliana Augusta of Liliana Augusta Beauty, or LAB, is on a similar mission to bring sustainable, plant-based, and affordable bundles of hair to the masses. Her Hair Without Harm features several colors of synthetic braiding hair starting at $30/bundle, free of plastics, chemicals, and animal byproducts. 

A woman is seated, getting extensions added to her hair in a twisted style.

    The Nourie brand goes a step beyond the traditional practice of coating synthetic hair in harmful chemicals that damage the hair and scalp. Instead, Nourie has coated their tresses in plant-derived ingredients that actually nourish the scalp, supporting long-term hair health. These 2-pack bundles start at $32 with an emphasis on low-heat, braiding, and twisting techniques.  

Ruka hair is another synthetic braiding hair that has been formulated by Black scientists without the harmful chemicals used in traditional braiding hair. Ruka features hair care products and sets of braiding hair starting at $16/pack. The brand also has a selection of clip-ins, wigs, and hair bundles ranging from $130 - $478. Deeply rooted in cultural dignity and the sustainable future of Black hair care, Ruka offers consumers safe and culturally relevant solutions.  

    The Slayyy hair brand, by Diann Valentine, is a super affordable option available at several national retailers and in their digital store. Valentine’s product takes synthetic hair and, using her Slayyy Secret Sauce, processes it in a much safer and healthier way, leaving braiders and their clients with colorful, lightweight, irritation-free hair to suit their style needs. At about $7 a pack, the Slayyy extensions make safer haircare more affordable. 

With several brands on the rise with a shared mission to improve hair care quality, the future of hair care is in good hands.

The Legacy of Black Women in STEM

From barbaric medical practices to outright plagiarism and theft, modern science carries a dark history. Modern science hasn’t always offered the most fair playing ground for women, people of color, or the disabled. Oftentimes they would either be tortured, stolen from, or ultimately abused in the name of innovation. The notion of race itself and the prejudices that come with it are based on the “science” of eugenics. However, science has also allowed us to have clean drinking water, life-saving medical interventions, and working electricity among so many other things. Despite this ever-present dichotomy in the science world, it is clear that to move forward as a society, we have to be willing to make those advancements together. 

Mary Kenner along with an image of the sanitary napkins based on her designs. Image courtesy of Vocal Media.

Black women have made significant contributions to STEM throughout history. Unfortunately, many of these key players in the advancements of STEM have been overlooked due to systemic barriers based on prejudice and discrimination. With brighter hearts and more open minds, science has the power to present the evidence and solutions needed to face social issues head-on.

This Black History Month, we highlight both historical and modern pioneers who've made a way where there was none. We thank these women named and unnamed who have opened the door for advancements in STEM that benefit all people, regardless of race, class, or gender.

Historical Trailblazers

Though we can only list so many, we just want to take the time to honor all of the Black women, known and unknown, whose minds have contributed to science and technology. 

Katherine Johnson,  Dorothy Vaughan, Christine Darden & Mary Jackson were pivotal members of NASA during the Apollo mission in 1969. Starting in the early 50s’ these women were a pivotal group of mathematicians, engineers, and leaders whose careful calculations made the success of the Apollo mission possible.  

 

Mary Beatrice Davidson Kenner received very little recognition for her monumental contribution to global menstrual care. With a patented design, Kenner engineered an improved menstrual pad, making menstrual more accessible, convenient, and sanitary.

Dr. Marie Maynard Daly was the first Black woman in the U.S. to earn a PhD in chemistry. Her research on hypertension and cardiovascular disease shaped modern medicine for the disorders. 

Not only did these women brave the frontlines of social change in America, but they graced our nation with the expertise and efforts that have made this great nation possible.

Modern STEM Leaders Conquering Challenges

Dr. Ayana Howard is pictured with a super cute robot, courtesy of Silicon Valley Robotics.

Today, there is a long list of Black women who continue to carry the torch of their foremothers in the STEM world. Though the future may seem daunting at times, these women are continuing to boldly step forward with their ideas and solutions.

Dr. Ayana Howard is an expert in AI and robotics, advancing ethical tech and accessibility. Her work addresses the pros and cons of the rapidly advancing world of AI and robotics. Dr. Howard’s expertise helps to ensure a safer experience with AI and robots for all.

Dr. Jedidah Isler is the first Black woman to earn a PhD in astrophysics from Yale in 2014. With outer space holding a special place in her heart, Dr. Isler is currently researching high-energy observational astrophysics.

Dr. Jedidah Isler speaks on the TED Talk stage.

Alexis Williams is one of many of us who were affected by the police brutality events of the last decade. However, Alexis took matters into her own hands and created a web-based database that offers resources for allies, survivors, victims, and their families called Police Brutality Resources (PBR).

According to the National Science Foundation’s 2023 report, Black women and our marginalized counterparts still have a bit of distance to go before we achieve greater equity in the sciences.

Some of the greatest challenges of increasing representation in STEM include:

Alexis Williams, founder of Police Brutality Resources (PBR), courtesy of Pulse Spikes.

By improving representation and access to STEM opportunities, more people are getting a chance to see themselves as scientists. Though the task may seem daunting, we can achieve these goals.

Inspirational women like Dr. Howard and Alexis Williams took matters into their own hands by identifying significant problems and creating lasting solutions. We also are in a time when children are seeing a colorful array of people in a variety of professions; giving them a chance to consider astronomical possibilities for their futures. This early exposure can potentially encourage the younger generations to have a natural inclination towards STEM, given that it is truly a world of possibility on its own.

Despite the divisive adults that run things, children today are being raised in a world that is actively working toward honoring diversity for the gift and privilege that it is. A few years down the road, creating inclusive environments for all to thrive will be second nature. 

Looking Ahead: A Communal Effort 

By working together, we can ensure that all who are marginalized receive the opportunities, justice, and respect that they deserve.  We must stay committed to amplifying each others’ voices and ensuring better opportunities; we will only be stronger for it.