The Story:

Ahead of Houston's tomato season, I produced a segment featuring Finca Tres Robles, an urban farm in Houston's East End, and its annual Salsa De Mayo Festival. While the event served as the news hook, my goal was to tell a larger story about the farm's mission of increasing access to fresh, affordable food through its nonprofit partner, Small Places.

My Process

I researched the farm's history and coordinated with the publicist and co-owner Tommy Garcia Prats to develop an interview that focused on both the festival and the people behind it. Together, we built a conversation that introduced Tommy's personal journey, the farm's community impact, and the purpose behind the upcoming event.

Because lifestyle television is visual, I suggested bringing freshly harvested tomatoes, herbs, and homemade salsa into the studio to create an interactive demonstration that complemented the story and gave viewers a taste of the farm's work.

Going Beyond the Pitch

Before the interview, I volunteered at Finca Tres Robles to better understand the organization firsthand. Working alongside volunteers gave me a deeper appreciation for the farm's mission and helped me identify details that weren't included in the original pitch.

During my visit, I learned that Tommy is one of nine siblings and grew up just blocks from the farm. I shared this with our host before the interview, giving her a more personal introduction that helped viewers connect with Tommy before discussing the festival.

Visiting the farm also strengthened my understanding of its volunteer program and community impact, allowing me to write more informed host notes and produce a story that felt authentic rather than promotional.

Outcome

After the segment aired, I published clips to the show's website and social media platforms. The farm later shared that approximately 900 people attended the Salsa De Mayo Festival, demonstrating strong community interest in the event.

For me, the best lifestyle segments don't simply promote an event, they connect viewers with the people and purpose behind the story.

Skills: Story Development • Editorial Research • Guest Coordination • Interview Planning • Community Storytelling • Visual Production • Social Publishing