About Us
Mu Ta Ka Paw means "sunlight" in the Karen language, which is spoken by one of the ethnic groups in Burma (Myanmar). For me, this word represents life, hope, and new beginnings. It’s not a label of hardship but a reminder of resilience.
My love for growing produce and flowers began when I was a child, surrounded by the lush landscapes of Burma. Everything changed when a civil war forced my family to flee to Thailand. Life in the refugee camp was uncertain and difficult; yet, my passion for farming stayed alive within me. After more than ten years in that camp, I immigrated to Chapel Hill in 2007 with my three daughters, ready to begin a new chapter.
In 2009, my passion for farming was revived when I joined Transplanting Traditions Community Farm. This non-profit organization supports migrant refugees from the Thailand-Burma border in adopting pesticide-free farming practices. It was there that my dream truly began to take root.
From that journey, Mu Ta Ka Paw Garden was born—from just two raised beds to now expanding to approximately two acres. It has grown into a thriving, family-run farm where we cultivate fresh and culturally significant flowers and produce. We proudly share them with our community at the Chapel Hill Farmers' Market, the Carrboro Farmers' Market, and now the Durham Farmers' Market.
At night, I work full-time as a cleaner, while during the day, I work hard to manage the farm. My daughters—Moo Kho, Psaw, and Dah Wah—support me every step of the way, along with my two sons-in-law, Fernando and Soe. They represent our farm at each market, building relationships and sharing our produce with care and love. Together, we’re not just farming; we’re planting roots, building community, and living out the hope that “Mu Ta Ka Paw” represents.
Flowers
Story of Mookho
After relocating to Chapel Hill from a refugee camp on the Thailand border, I felt overwhelmed by culture shock and the pressures of being the eldest daughter at just 19 years old. However, one thing that brought me peace was spending time at Transplanting Traditions Community Farm (TTCF). Being there provided me with a sense of tranquility that I couldn't find anywhere else.
In 2016, I left my job, uncertain about what would come next. However, I knew my mom needed help on the farm, so I decided to spend more time there. Initially, I worked only a few hours a week in the greenhouse. It was during this time that I discovered my passion for starting seeds and caring for young plants. Nurturing life from the very beginning is incredibly rewarding.
I started selling mixed flower bouquets at the Chapel Hill Farmers' Market and, in 2019, I launched a flower share for our community farms' CSA members. Each year, I love trying new flower varieties to see how they perform in our soil and climate. During the pandemic, my husband, Fernando, became a full-time partner in this journey, and together, we’ve grown our flower business with love and dedication.
I take pride in creating a space for pollinators and birds while growing flowers and providing them for our CSA members at local markets. Farming is hard work, but it’s also full of beauty and meaning. Every seed I plant, every flower I assemble, connects me to my roots, my family, and the land I now call home.
Meet The Team
See you at the Farmers' Market.
