Today we’d like to introduce you to Yorkys Rodriguez.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
My name is Yorkys, Yorx to those dearest to me. I am a Cuban born, 49 year old queer and bipoc woman, mother of 5 amazing humans, raised in Hialeah. My journey has evolved from the world of hair and makeup to finding my passions of gardening, herbalism and cooking, in my early 30’s. During my third pregnancy, with my son Bodhi, I had some bleeding twice and was ordered to stay in bed rest until Bodhi came. During that time there was a cable channel called Planet Green. I absorbed the programming and that opened a whole new world of awareness. Shortly after Bodhi was born, I began a radical change in how I ate and consumed. In the following years I took in person and online classes on herbalism, permaculture and regenerative farming and I’ve always been a passionate cook for my family. In 2009, I began distributing a local CSA (community shared agriculture) from my house and there I started making connections with likeminded and seasoned folks who were connected to local farmers and gardeners. In 2010, I joined the Urban Oasis Project Farmers Market when we were just 5 vendors! Bodhi’s Garden Delights was born. Fifteen years later, I’m so proud and humbled to still be a part of the UOP extended family. I began selling starter plants of herbs and included their botanical name, their medicinal properties and a suggested recipe. A year later, I began bringing small crockpots of stews and soups made with some ingredients from my garden that I also sold at market. As the market grew, so did the new relationships with my customers. I added private catering to offerings. Always sourcing from my local farming community first. As I kept evolving creatively, my personal life evolved too. In 2016, my ex-husband and I bought a school bus and converted it into a home and moved to the farmlands of South Florida. I’ve been part of some really great farming projects and have worked with the most amazing women farmers along the way.
Bodhi’s Garden Delights began with the idea of connecting consumers to our local growing community and raising awareness on how much control we have over what we put in our bodies. That this isn’t something only the wealthy has access to.
In the last 15 years, I’ve worked with Midwives and Doulas, families, artists, builders, and most importantly, the ever evolving and resilient local organic farming community. I find myself to be so fortunate to have had such a unique journey with the best teachers, everyone from my actual teachers to those who have inspired me to grow and learn.
Today, I’m still catering events and loving every single long night and stressful minute of it. Feeding folks with love and intention is truly a passion. I’m also the lead nursery mama in a large organic farm in the Redland, starting all the plant babies that are going to feed hundreds this season. What an honor,
Through all the hardships and challenges, I can honestly say that I’m living in my truth.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I think that everyone that has out of the box passions and dreams always faces scrutiny and challenges, especially from those closest to them. For me, I’ve always been seen as the “black sheep” of the family. I have a cousin that would call me “the extremist”, amongst other names. Things like that were hurtful, especially because I used to look up to her when I was young. Early on, it was challenging and it brought me down. As time went on and my chosen family showed up in my life with unwavering support, I was able to see how strong I really am and how much I could really accomplish. It’s difficult to let go of these long-term relationships, but necessary sometimes to learn to love yourself.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
My work has always been inspired by healing. Healing of the Earth and ourselves as her children. In my farming/cooking journey I’ve researched and reconnected with my ancestral roots and those of whose land I live on. Corn and its history and something I deeply connected with about 6 years ago when I started making tamales for market. After about a year learning and experimenting adding my own touch, I developed my Blue Corn Tamales. They are currently sold at market and they’re very popular. I think that my love and reverence for Indigenous corn varieties sets me apart from the rest. There are very few of us chefs in this town that truly honor the sources and histories of the ingredients we use. I approach my work with intention and gratitude. Gratitude for the food and gratitude to be able to share these gifts in a different way.
Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
Vandana Shiva changed my life and meeting her with my two youngest kids in 2023, was a surreal moment for me. So anything Vandana Shiva especially “Soil not Oil” and “Reclaiming the Commons”.
Also, I’ve been a practicing Buddhist for a long time now and one of my latest favorites is “The Power of Mind: A Tibetan Monk’s Guide to Finding Freedom in Every Challenge”, written by my teacher, Khentrul Lodro Taye Rinpoche.
I’m old school and don’t really listen podcasts. Don’t judge me, lol. I try to keep vigilant of information overload. In my older age, I’ve grown to value silence and contemplation, directing my efforts into my in person relationships and keeping technology at a safe distance. Although I do follow some real interesting pages on the socials. Mostly grass roots activism and foodie pages.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: bgd_thekalipso
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/bodhisgardendelights
