At Douville Home Group, we love seeing what happens after the keys are handed over. In 2019, we helped Michael Liang buy a home in Tacoma with a "blank slate" backyard. Today, that space has evolved into Happy Kitchen Farm.
I caught up with Michael to talk about his journey from a suburban lawn to a thriving multi-site farming operation.
The Backyard Beginning
Q: You started with a small farm stand on your porch. How did having the right property make that possible?
Michael: I believe dreams expand in proportion to the space available. Our house on N. 10th had a big backyard lawn with nothing but an old cherry tree—a total blank slate. At first, I just wanted a personal kitchen garden, but raised beds have a habit of multiplying. Having that yard activated something in me. I’m not sure I would have fallen in love with farming if we had bought a house with a smaller space to experiment in.
The DHG Takeaway: There is something special about produce grown 15 minutes from your house. Michael’s harvests are curated for flavor and visual appeal—think vibrant purple kale and savory herbs that look as good on a plate as they taste. This isn't your grocery store "bagged salad" vibe; it’s a healthy, nutrient-dense choice that supports a neighbor’s dream.
The Move to Gig Harbor
Q: Eventually, the backyard wasn't enough. How did you know it was time to expand to a farm lease?
Michael: It was a math problem! I literally couldn’t grow enough food for the number of customers I had. I eventually connected with a homeowner in Gig Harbor who had a vacant spot. After some sweat equity, I converted it into beds. It gave me the experience of cultivating at a larger scale, and I’ve actually just signed a second lease in Gig Harbor for a full acre.
What’s in a Box? When you order from a local business like Happy Kitchen, the value is high. A typical share is designed to be a generous hearty vegetarian meal for 4 with seasonal flourishes like edible flowers.
Farming in the PNW Winter
Q: Many people think farming stops in the fall. How do you keep things growing year-round in Western Washington?
Michael: Our mild climate helps, but it’s really about managing daylight. Plants stop growing when we hit less than 10 hours of light. The trick is to get them fully grown by late fall so they can "overwinter." Some crops actually get sweeter with the cold. It just takes specific seeds and some frost protection.
Year-Round Vitality: Because Michael focuses on "overwintering," you don't have to wait for July to eat well. From spring microgreens to winter hearty greens, he provides a consistent bridge to local food throughout the seasons. It’s the ultimate way to keep your kitchen "Happy" even when the Tacoma sky is grey.
The 2026 Vision
Q: You’re launching Farm-to-Table meal kits in 2026. What is the long-term goal for the farm?
Michael: My theme for 2026 is “Be Ready When the Luck Happens.” While I’m using off-site leases now, the dream is a "forever farm" in Pierce County where I can live and work in the same place. For now, I’m focusing on the business systems so that when the right land comes along, Happy Kitchen Farm is ready to scale.
The Future is Flavorful: Those 2026 Meal Kits are a game changer for busy locals. Imagine a chef-quality, vegetarian main dish kit arriving at your door, featuring ingredients harvested that same morning. It’s the convenience of a subscription box with the soul of a farmers market.
Advice for Home-Based Entrepreneurs
Q: What advice do you have for someone wanting to build a business from their home?
Michael: Have a safety net. I couldn’t have done this without part-time work and a supportive spouse. Also, a practical tip: wear shoes indoors while you’re working. It sounds small, but it shifts your mindset into work mode and helps create a boundary between your personal life and your professional work.
The Boundary Benefit: Whether you're farming an acre or filing taxes from a home office, Michael’s "indoor shoes" advice is golden. Creating a mental shift helps you stay productive during work hours so you can actually enjoy your home during off-hours. It’s about making your space work for you, not just at you.
Support Your Local "Grown-at-Home" Success Story
It’s been incredible to watch Michael turn "potential" into "produce." Supporting local businesses like Happy Kitchen Farm doesn't just put better food on your table; it strengthens the entire Tacoma/Gig Harbor ecosystem.
July 2025 interview on Tacoma Cityline.
Listen to Michael discuss his farm and taste test some of his delightful produce.
Ready to taste the difference?
Sign Up: Join the 2026 Meal Kit waitlist program or learn more at HappyKitchenFarm.com.
Follow the Farm: See what’s sprouting on Instagram @happykitchenfarm.
Find Your "Blank Slate": If you’re looking for a home that can handle your "multiplied" ambitions, give us a call at DHG. We’re great at finding yards with potential.
Personally, I'm just here for the veggies. I guess you could say Michael and I have a very rooted relationship. (I'll see myself out.)
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