Community Highlights: Meet Karleen Wagner of Wild Wiggins Homestead

Today we’d like to introduce you to Karleen Wagner.

Hi Karleen, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I’m Karleen Wagner, a proud Latina born and raised in Puerto Rico. Growing up, I noticed that most of the food on our shelves came from the mainland U.S., while local produce was scarce. In fact, Puerto Rico imports between 85% and 90% of its food. This heavy reliance on imports sparked my curiosity about food systems and how deeply they are connected to both our environment and our communities.

My academic background in Environmental Science, combined with nearly six years of hands-on experience running a microgreen business in Puerto Rico, has given me a deep understanding of the importance of local food systems and their rich tapestry of connections to nutrition, well-being, community, and land stewardship.

When I moved to Colorado, I was drawn to the state’s rich agricultural heritage and the opportunity to further my experiences in farming. As a 3/4 Puerto Rican and 1/4 Coloradan, I wanted to explore my roots and contribute to the local food movement. I’ve had the privilege of working at various farms in Boulder and Longmont, and I eventually decided to purchase my own property in Eastern Colorado, where I now run Wild Wiggins Homestead.

My homestead is a small, sustainable operation where I grow seasonal vegetables, microgreens, edible flowers and raise free-range chickens for eggs. I’m dedicated to providing fresh, locally grown produce while caring for the soil, minimizing waste, composting, supporting pollinators, and most importantly—growing food without the need for pesticides! The well-being of my animals, plants, and land is at the heart of everything I do.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Finding a place to grow food was my biggest challenge. When I lived in Longmont, joining a community garden was a game-changer. It gave me hands-on experience and connected me with a supportive network of like-minded individuals and mentors who shared my passion for sustainable agriculture. But after two seasons, I realized I had bigger dreams. I wanted to grow food to sell at markets and raise chickens for eggs. To make that happen, I knew I needed my own property. As a solo female, buying a house seemed daunting, but I stayed determined and eventually made it happen.

Being resourceful has been key to my success. I’ve scoured Facebook Marketplace for free gardening tools and compost, and found creative ways to overcome obstacles. It’s not always easy, but it’s paid off. The first two years were tough, but rewarding. I worked full-time and part-time jobs to support my business, and eventually established Wild Wiggins Homestead and now going full time starting in May 2025.

Other challenges has been finding the right markets and customers for my unique products, navigating logistics and marketing, and balancing my desire to serve my community in Eastern Colorado with the need to reach customers in the Front Range. But I’ve also gained a unique perspective on the needs and challenges of my community, and I’m committed to using my business as a force for good. I hope to be an inspiration to other women who may be facing similar challenges – with a little planning and resourcefulness, anything is possible!

As you know, we’re big fans of Wild Wiggins Homestead. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Wild Wiggins Homestead is a small, woman-owned business where I combine my love for healthy, sustainable food with a deep commitment to caring for the land and the animals that call it home. I specialize in growing nutrient-dense, pesticide-free produce, free-range eggs, edible flowers, and a variety of microgreens and microgreen-inspired products—including a vibrant microgreen spread and nutrient-packed microgreen shots. My partner Ed supports me behind the scenes, helping maintain all our systems and care for our happy chickens, ensuring that our eggs are not only delicious but produced with the utmost care and compassion.

Our focus on sustainability goes far beyond our produce. We’re dedicated to building healthy soil through composting and have developed a unique approach to companion planting that promotes biodiversity and reduces the need for pesticides and fertilizers. By creating a balanced ecosystem teeming with life, we attract beneficial pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and local birds, which supports the overall health of our crops and ecosystem. We are also committed to reducing food waste and supporting our community by rescuing surplus produce through partnerships with local food banks and shelters—ensuring that no one in our community goes hungry.

I take great pride in the personal touch I bring to every aspect of my business. Every label, recipe, logo, and piece of art is created by me, reflecting my creativity and dedication to a truly authentic brand. Whether it’s through our fresh produce, eggs, microgreen products, or the biodiversity-rich ecosystem we’ve created, I’m proud to be a part of the local food movement and contribute to a healthier, more sustainable food system for our community.

Alright, so to wrap up, is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
I am open to collaborations and 1-1 coaching to help inspire others in their homestead journey!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100092874966555
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wildwigginshomestead/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100092874966555