Valentina Constantinescu brings passion, energy, and a love of community to Greens4U. As a participant in the Starter Company Plus program, she is growing her business while connecting with resources, mentors, and fellow entrepreneurs. Known for her generosity and vibrant spirit, she grows nutrient-rich microgreens and transforms them into delicious products like pesto, tahini sauce, teas, and energy snacks that make healthy living simple and enjoyable. Her products can be found at local farmers’ markets or conveniently ordered online, making it easy for anyone to enjoy fresh, nutrient-packed foods. Beyond her business, Valentina is committed to sustainability, supporting local food systems, and inspiring others to embrace the benefits of microgreens. Read on to learn more about her journey and the story behind Greens4U in the Q&A below.
Tell us about your journey as an entrepreneur. What sparked the idea to start your business?
I’ve worked in healthcare for over 30 years, and during that time I developed a real passion for helping people improve their health and well-being. When the pandemic hit, I was looking for a way to support my colleagues—nurses, doctors, and healthcare providers—who were working tirelessly to keep our community safe. That’s when I came across microgreens.
These tiny plants are packed with nutrients, incredibly flavorful, and so easy to add into everyday meals. For years, I had struggled to find fresh vegetables at the grocery store, and with long shifts it was hard to make it to farmers’ markets or spend hours preparing healthy dishes. Discovering microgreens felt like the perfect solution—not just for me and my family, but for anyone facing the same challenges.
What products or services do you offer, and how do they meet a need?
At the heart of our business, we grow and deliver fresh, high-quality microgreens—young plants loaded with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. In fact, they can have up to 40 times more nutrients than their mature counterparts!
We’ve also created a variety of products made with microgreens, such as:
Energy Drink – a refreshing mix of microgreens, coconut water, ginger, turmeric, black pepper, and lemon.
Energy Balls – protein-packed, gluten- and dairy-free, vegan, and made with ingredients like walnuts, pumpkin seeds, cocoa, and microgreens powder.
Pesto – a flavorful blend of microgreens (including basil), olive oil, parmesan, pumpkin seeds, and garlic.
Granola – filled with seeds, walnuts, coconut, egg whites, and microgreens powder.
Microgreens Powder – dehydrated greens for an easy nutritional boost.
Tahini Sauce – made with microgreens, tahini, lemon, parsley, and cayenne.
Microgreen Tea – a calming mix of dehydrated microgreens and flowers.
We try to make it as easy as possible for people to enjoy these products by offering online orders, free local delivery, farmers’ market visits, and pick-up options.
Who or what inspires your creativity and business ideas?
A lot of my inspiration comes directly from my customers and our community’s needs. I also turn to local experts, mentors, and networks like SBEC, BNI, and the Collingwood Chamber of Commerce. Staying connected with these groups—and keeping up with provincial and government updates—helps me learn and grow as an entrepreneur.
What sets your business apart? What do you want people to remember about you?
I want people to know that we truly care about the health and vitality of our community. Everything we do is rooted in caring, quality, freshness, and convenience. We’re also proud to focus on eco-friendly practices and Canadian sourcing. At the end of the day, it’s about offering products that make healthy living easier and more accessible.
Why did you apply for the Starter Company Plus program, and what do you hope to gain from it?
This program is designed to support small businesses, and I felt it was the perfect fit. It offers access to experts, resources, and networking opportunities that can really help us grow. For me, it’s about building connections and setting our business up for long-term success
What’s one lesson you’ve learned about entrepreneurship that you wish you knew sooner?
I’ve learned that it is important to work smarter, not harder. Focus on what you do best and ask for help in the areas where you are not an expert. I also discovered that I am not alone. There are so many people, programs, and resources available to support small businesses.
What mindset shift helped you grow your business the most?
For me, it was learning to ask questions and reach out to others. Connecting with different groups in the community has played a huge role in my growth. I also had to embrace vulnerability. As a nurse, I was an expert in my field, but as an entrepreneur I was a beginner. Admitting that and asking for support has been a strength, not a weakness.
Describe a moment when you felt really proud of your business.
One of my proudest moments is when customers return because they love the quality and how good they feel adding microgreens into their diet. I especially love when parents come back because their children have fallen in love with microgreens. That brings me so much joy.
What do you love most about serving your community?
I love seeing people happy, healthy, and full of joy. It is incredibly rewarding to provide quality, nutritious food that people truly enjoy.
What’s one piece of advice that keeps you grounded or motivated?
I carry with me a quote from Mother Teresa: “I alone cannot change the world, but I can cast a stone across the water to create many ripples.” It reminds me that even small actions can make a big impact.
How has being part of a local business community shaped your journey?
Being part of the local business community makes me feel like I am part of a big family. It has given me a safe space to grow, both personally and professionally. I have become a better entrepreneur and a better person because of the programs and people who support our community.
What’s something you have built or created that means a lot to you?
The relationships, trust, and network I have built mean everything. Those connections are at the heart of my journey.
If your business had a theme song, what would it be and why?
I would choose We are the Champions. For me, this song represents strength, community, and caring for one another. It reflects the belief that only together can we build a heathier community where people enjoy their families, neighbours, and all that our area has to offer. It also connects with the heart of my business, because the services and product we provide are all about supporting life and vitality.
What’s your favourite way to de-stress after a long day?
I love listening to classical music. Strauss, Mozart, Vivaldi, and Chopin are some of my favourites. I also enjoy going for walks. We are so lucky to have such beautoful trails and so much to explore in Collingwood and the surrounding area.
What’s the funniest thing that has happened while running your business? One day my granddaughter asked me to stay longer to play with her. Without thinking, I told her I had to go home to take care of “my babies.” She looked so surprised and puzzled because she had no idea that I was talking about my microgreens!
What’s the most memorable feedback you’ve received from a client?
There have been many but the ones that touch me most are often from parents. One mother shared, “My granddaughter has never touched anything green, but when she tries your microgreens she started asking for them at every meal. It is quite amazing.” Another client told me that her 91-year-old mother-in-law, who has diabetes, fell in love with microgreens. She said, “I’m so delighted she’s hooked! They’re so nutritious and easy to add to meals. I’m thrilled she’s maintaining her health in her own way, and your microgreens are now a big part of that journey.”
Connect with Valentina online or visit her at her farmer’s market booth until thanksgiving weekend (2025)
Website – greens4u.ca
Phone: 905-536-7120
Instagram – greens4u_collingwood
Photos: Victoria Mae Photography