Meet James Grevious | Urban Farmer

We had the good fortune of connecting with James Grevious and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi James, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
The evolution to start this organization began back in 2015 when I created my first Urban Farm with my children called “Rebels In The Garden”. This was created to teach myself and my children the importance of growing food. As the children grew older our farm grew and did our need to reach our community. From there we created our own Farmers Market called “Rebel Marketplace” in the middle of the pandemic in 2020. As we interacted and engaged with our community we noticed the lack Urban food production and growers. Not only is there a critical lack of food production there is an alarming lack of Black and Brown food producers. We then took the next step to try and change that. That is where Urban Symbiosis was created.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Id be remiss if I did not mention my 17 years in the United States Air Force as an Aircraft Mechanic. in my career serving my country I had the privilege of being a crew chief on HH-60 Helicopters in a Combat Rescue Squadron and serving 10 years as a F-16 Crew Chief right here in Aurora CO at Buckley Air Force Base. During my career I traveled to over 20 countries and was able to see and experience other cultures, farms and how people interact with their communities. I was able to take this learned and lived experience home and implement what I have learned into my businesses here at home. One notable experience was during my time spent in South Korea. While I was in Gunsan City outside of Kunsan Air Base I noticed how small but productive all their farms were. Most farms were only 1-2 acres yet they were producing high quality food at scale. They were not growing monocrops instead they were growing a variety of garden vegetables, not commodity crops. This peaked my interest and began my journey to go deeper into urban farming.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Selfishly I would take them to my Farmers Market “Rebel Marketplace” to experience all the our wonderful Aurora based businesses. Of course we all know that you cant visit Colorado without experiencing a smothered burrito with Green Chile! Back in the Day Cubby’s was the go to spot but I am loyal to Las Delicious. To be perfectly honest I am now 40 years old and a business owner with not excess time on my hands and I am not plugged in. So I would have to resort to googling things to do lol. I wouldn’t make a very good host

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Urban Symbiosis wouldn’t be where it today without the dedication and support from my friends and family but most importantly m partner Desiree Fajardo! Through all the doubts, frustrations, long nights etc. she has been my rock and support system. I want to give a special shout out to my Aurora Community for supporting our efforts and showing us love and supporting our work!

Website: urbansymbiosis.org

Instagram: @urban_symbiosis