Who we are
COO
Ivory Flemister
Born and raised in Atlanta, Georgia, Ivory’s roots in farming run deep. She comes from a long line of farmers, healers, and stewards of the land. As a child, she spent time in Alabama with her grandfather, whose garden not only fed the family but nurtured a way of life grounded in care, tradition, and connection to the earth. Farming and natural healing has always been in her blood—this is more than a profession; it’s a calling passed down through generations.
By God’s blessings, she has made it this far, walking in faith and purpose every step of the way. After moving to Arizona, she found new clarity and direction. She earned a degree in agriculture from Mesa Community College and is currently studying environmental engineering at Arizona State University. Ivory continues her education not only to grow professionally but to create a legacy for her family and future generations.
With over 20 years of experience managing farmers' markets and farming in both urban and rural settings, Ivory has dedicated her life to growing fresh, organic produce and advancing sustainable agriculture. She founded AZ Food Artisans with the vision of reconnecting people with clean, nourishing food grown in harmony with the land. The farm focuses on regenerative and environmentally conscious practices to serve communities with integrity and purpose.
At AZ Food Artisans, we don’t just grow food—we cultivate healing, heritage, and hope for a better, more sustainable future.
CEO
Mohammed Jowad
Mohammed J is a dynamic force in Arizona’s sustainable agriculture scene and the visionary co-founder of AZ Food Artisans LLC. With a relentless passion for environmental stewardship and a commitment to providing communities with fresh, responsibly grown produce, Mohammed has dedicated his career to reshaping how food is cultivated and consumed. Armed with a specialized education in Sustainable Agriculture from Mesa Community College, Mohammed combines academic knowledge with a wealth of practical experience. His expertise spans aquaponics, hydroponics, greenhouse management, soil health, and organic farming techniques. As part of his work with NXT Horizon, Mohammed supports over 60 farmers, optimizing aquaponic systems to enhance productivity and sustainability. His innovative solutions have not only improved yields but have also set new standards for eco-friendly farming practices in the region.
At AZ Food Artisans LLC, Mohammed spearheads initiatives that prioritize soil regeneration, water conservation, and integrated pest management. His leadership has been instrumental in expanding the company’s offerings at farmers markets in Fountain Hills, AZ, where the focus is on delivering high-quality, locally grown produce that meets the diverse needs of the community. Driven by a vision to revolutionize urban agriculture, Mohammed’s projects include the development of controlled environment systems, the use of organic amendments, and the implementation of efficient irrigation techniques. His current focus involves scaling operations through innovative business models, sustainable land management, and community engagement.
Farmer's Market Employee
Asher P
When Asher started working with AZ Food Artisans at 14, he was quiet, nervous, and unsure of himself. He had a hard time talking to people and didn’t know how to handle new situations. But he wanted to challenge myself—to grow, gain some job experience, and earn a little money like his older sister had done at previous farmers markets.
He says, “From the beginning, Ivory and Mohammed were incredibly kind and supportive. They didn’t just hand me a job—they gave me an opportunity to learn, build confidence, and feel like I belonged. They were patient when I didn’t know something, encouraged me every step of the way, and always treated me with respect.”
Over the past two seasons, Asher says he’s grown in ways he never expected. He’s learned how to speak confidently with customers, how to set up and break down the sales booth quickly, and how to talk about the benefits of healthy food. He’s brought that knowledge home and helped his family make better food choices too.
“I’ve changed a lot personally,” he says. “I’ve made new friends, returned to public school, and feel way more confident in social situations. I even gained some muscle from the physical work at the market—which definitely helped!”
“Working at AZ Food Artisans has helped me grow in every way—physically, mentally, and socially. I’m proud to be part of a team that supports the community with fresh, local food, and I’m excited to keep learning and growing in the seasons ahead.”
