Healthy Flavors is not just about sustainable farming; it is a tale of love, resilience, and innovation that spans continents. Dan and Nadia Spatz’s journey from Russia to the United States led to an agricultural business promoting health through nutritious food.
Dan and Nadia’s story began back in 1996 in Novosibirsk, Russia. Nadia, a recent graduate, started her career with Mars Corporation in a pet care factory near her hometown. Dan, an American working in logistics for Mars, was stationed there.
Their experience at Mars, known for technological advancements and food safety, laid the groundwork for their future endeavors. In 2011, they moved to Tennessee for Dan’s job, marking a new chapter. They discovered a hydroponic greenhouse operation for sale in Eagleville, Tennessee, located in the central part of the state. Despite its dilapidated state, they saw potential and invested in transforming it.
Dan’s food industry background and Nadia’s hands-on approach turned the neglected farm into a successful business. In June 2012, they launched Healthy Flavors, Inc., promoting health through flavorful food.
“I had a 20-year career in the food industry, starting in 1991,” Dan said. “My journey began with Catholic Police Services, where I distributed food aid overseas. Later, I joined Mars Corporation and gained experience in the industrial corporate global food sector.”
"Finding this small business for sale aligned perfectly with my belief in helping people move away from salt, fat, and sugar by using nutritious culinary herbs instead."
— Dan Spatz, Co-owner Healthy Flavors
Healthy Flavors’ Eagleville farm spans 41,200 square feet of greenhouse space and 30,300 square feet of hoophouses, producing various herbs year-round. Their clients include FreshPoint, Performance Food Group, Walmart, and McCartney Produce, which aided in fueling Healthy Flavors’ growth.
In 2018, they expanded to Conway, Arkansas, growing specialty crops, notably purple hull peas. The Conway farm, recognized as a century farm, has a rich family history. Dan’s ancestors were early pioneers in Central Arkansas, re-acquiring land lost during the Depression through good stewardship.
Inspired by their success in Tennessee, Dan began repurposing the Arkansas land. Dan explained that the previous owners of their Conway farm had already been growing herbs and had established relationships with FreshPoint and Walmart.
While understanding health, wellness, and nutrition is crucial, so is the business side of agriculture. Producing products that meet conventional food system standards and building a reliable reputation with customers is challenging. However, the established relationships at the farm were a fortunate benefit.
On the flip side, running two farms in as many states while raising a family posed unique challenges. Dan balanced managing the farms and consulting, supporting the family financially, and funding their children’s education.
“Balancing the business with raising our kids through elementary and middle school was tough,” Nadia said. “It’s been a challenge because it’s our business. However, it’s easier now because I know what I’m doing at the farm, and I have a good team to help me.”
Nadia managed the Tennessee farm, raising their kids, and building a capable team. “My time at Mars prepared me well,” she said. “Over the years, I learned on the job, managing operations, and covering various roles as needed.”
Austin Haley, the farm manager at Eagleville, ensures smooth operations. Hailing from Calloway County, Kentucky, he discovered the job through an Indeed listing and found it a perfect fit.
“Every day is a bit different, and my role bridges the gap between Mother Nature and the people at our farms,” Austin said. “When it comes to climate change, we’re on the front lines. If we’re unable to do our job, people don’t eat. We’re literally on the ground every single day, figuring out how to grow more.”
Healthy Flavors’ success can also be attributed to strategic partnerships, such as ones with Communities Unlimited (CU) and Eat Real, where they’ve worked together to implement Farm to School grant projects across Arkansas, Tennessee, and Mississippi.
As Healthy Flavors grows, Dan, Nadia, and Austin remain committed to their vision of promoting health through nutritious food. They professionalize and expand their business while maintaining a strong community focus.
"My goal is to build a professional, sustainable company that excels financially, environmentally, and in terms of employee well-being, while continuing to supply high-quality herbs locally,"
— Nadia Spatz, Co-owner Healthy Flavors
“Learning to grow effectively across all seasons is crucial. I am excited about what we can achieve locally in terms of sustainability” Nadia said.
Dan concludes with his insights on what he loves about farming: “I enjoy the immense diversity among farms. No two farms are alike, even when growing the same crops. This variation constantly challenges the mind to understand what works in different environments, what is unique, and how to improve conditions. This continuous change is what fascinates me about farming and agriculture. Farming requires extensive knowledge and awareness of your environment. You must accept and adapt to constant change rather than fight it.”
He stresses the importance of clarity, dedication, persistence, and careful resource management for future farmers. “The main goal is to survive,” Dan said.
“Farming is hard work and can be a tough life, but it’s rewarding,” Austin said. “Watching something grow from seed to harvest and knowing you’re contributing to the food supply is immensely satisfying.”
