Today we’d like to introduce you to Joseph Longhany
Hi Joseph, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Back in 2016, at age 38, I weighed 250 pounds and was diagnosed with prediabetes. My doctor wanted to put me on metformin, a commonly prescribed diabetes medication. That was a wake-up call. Over the next six months, I researched how lifestyle—especially diet—affects health. I discovered the power of a whole-food, plant-based diet and committed to it in December 2016. By July 2017, I had lost the weight and reversed my prediabetes.
It might sound remarkable, but stories like mine are common. The evidence for plant-based eating is overwhelming, and that knowledge motivated my wife and I to start Plant Prana Wellness. Kat had her own healing journey—not weight loss, but overcoming chronic kidney disease and severe arthritis in her 20s.
When we met, we both understood the power of lifestyle and nutrition in healing. We wanted to create something that would help others reclaim their health, beyond just relying on medication. That vision led to Plant Prana Wellness, and a focus on nutrient-dense microgreens… which contain up to 40 times more nutrients than their mature counterparts. They’re one of the most powerful, accessible ways to boost health through food, and we knew they had to be at the core of our mission.
Looking back, we started with just a vision, not knowing exactly how to make it happen. Now, running six farmer’s markets and barely keeping up with demand, it’s incredible to see how far we’ve come. We also host workshops and deliver talks about the benefits of plant based eating, how to grow microgreens. and how to unlock personal transformation. I’m grateful to be on this journey with Kat, building something that truly makes a difference.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Building a business comes with plenty of struggles—it’s just part of the growth process. As an entrepreneur, you’re constantly solving problems, and the interesting thing about challenges is that they often lead to unexpected opportunities. Kat and I were just talking about this the other day—how obstacles in our business have, time and again, forced us to adapt and ultimately improve.
Early on, a lot of our challenges were logistical… learning how to grow microgreens efficiently, figuring out the best way to package them, and understanding how to communicate our value to customers. When we were just starting out, learning so much ourselves, it’s hard to be truly convincing. But as we kept going, we found that each challenge helped us adjust our approach and become more confident in what we were offering.
Even now, three years in, the challenges haven’t stopped—they’ve just evolved. Recently, we faced a supply chain issue with the grow medium for our kits. It forced us to rethink our sourcing, and in the process, we not only solved the problem but also made a huge upgrade to our packaging. What started as a frustrating setback ended up making our product better than ever.
For anyone looking to start a business, challenges are inevitable. But the real beauty of entrepreneurship is how you grow through them. Every challenge forces you to think differently, adapt, and develop new skills. Kat and I have become more proficient, resourceful, and resilient than we ever imagined, and that’s one of the most rewarding parts of this journey.
As you know, we’re big fans of Plant Prana Wellness | Microgreens . For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Plant Prana Wellness | Microgreens
At Plant Prana Wellness, our mission is to uplift and serve our community by helping people embrace a healthier, more empowered lifestyle. We do this by providing the freshest, cleanest, and most nutrient-dense microgreens possible—grown with care, integrity, and a deep commitment to excellence.
What sets us apart is that we are a mission-driven brand. Every decision we make—whether it’s how we grow our greens, how we package them, or how we engage with our customers—is guided by our larger vision: to help individuals make healthier choices and take control of their well-being through nutrient-rich, plant-based food.
Why Microgreens?
We chose microgreens as our focus because the research is undeniable—at just 10 to 14 days old, microgreens contain up to 40 times more nutrients than their fully grown counterparts. That means that every bite is packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, supporting immune function, digestion, gut health, and overall vitality.
What We Offer & What Makes Us Different
We specialize in providing:
✔️ Fresh, high-quality microgreens grown from organic seed
✔️ Airtight environmental controls – managing temperature, humidity, and airflow to ensure the best possible flavor, texture, and shelf life
✔️ Grow kits – so people can experience the joy of growing their own fresh food at home
✔️ Workshops and education – helping our community understand the power of plant-based nutrition and how to easily incorporate microgreens into everyday meals
And our commitment to education goes beyond adults—we’re also bringing hands-on learning experiences to local schools. Through our interactive workshops for kids, we teach the next generation about the power of fresh food by showing them how to grow their own microgreens. These sessions not only introduce children to the magic of growing microgreens but also help them develop a deeper appreciation for nutrition in a fun, engaging way. By planting their own trays, tasting different microgreen varieties, and learning about the health benefits of microgreens, kids gain a sense of ownership over their food choices—setting the foundation for lifelong healthy habits.
We take pride in our quality, customer service, and commitment to sustainability. Our greens are part of a bigger movement toward accessible, nutrient-rich food that truly supports health and longevity.
We believe that food is the key to improving health—not just for today, but for future generations. Whether we’re serving customers at farmers’ markets or inspiring young minds in the classroom, we are honored to provide something that helps people thrive, heal, and feel their best.
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
For anyone starting on their entrepreneurial journey, my first piece of advice is simple: just take the first step—even if you don’t have everything figured out. You’re never going to know everything in advance. You won’t have all the answers, you won’t foresee every obstacle, and you won’t always be sure what the next move should be. But that’s okay. Entrepreneurship is all about discovery and possibility, and the only way to gain clarity is by moving forward.
In the beginning, one of the hardest things is that you don’t even know the right questions to ask. But the moment you start, those questions begin to surface. And with every challenge you tackle, you’ll learn. Each step forward provides answers, reveals opportunities, and builds momentum. The key is to take action—because waiting for the perfect plan or the perfect moment often means never starting at all.
My second piece of advice is to stay connected to your “why”—the deeper purpose that drives you. This isn’t just about making money or starting a business for the sake of it. It’s about having a reason so compelling that it fuels your perseverance when things get tough—because they will. Entrepreneurship is full of unexpected challenges, setbacks, and moments of doubt. What keeps you going through those tough times is your connection to why this matters to you and the clients you serve.
If your “why” is strong enough, you’ll find the courage to push through obstacles, the resilience to keep adapting, and the patience to navigate the learning curve. But without a clear sense of purpose, it’s easy to lose steam when things get difficult.
So, if you’re thinking of starting something, start now—even if you don’t feel ready. And make sure you’re deeply connected to why you’re doing it. Because at the end of the day, the biggest regret isn’t failing—it’s never trying at all. Too many people take their ideas to the grave because they were waiting for the right moment, or they let fear hold them back. Don’t be one of them. Start where you are, take one step at a time, and trust that the path will reveal itself as you go.
Pricing:
- Fresh Microgreen packs starting at $7
- DIY Grow Kits starting at $15
- Fresh Cut Wheatgrass starting at $10
- Pet Grass $8
- Seeds starting at $6
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Myplantprana.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/myplantprana?igsh=MTY3YW5neXhiaDQ1cw%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/myplantprana/
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@plantpranawellness?si=pgWet31qwrZYXLal
Image Credits
Image credit for Avalon Elementary School Garden Club workshop: Amanda Greenfield
@nourish.orlando
