Racquel Anderson is a Stamford mom of two. She started She Worms Composting to reduce waste in her own yard. Learn more about how she says composting can be practical, accessible, and incredibly impactful, as well as the advice she gives to other families interested in starting to compost.
How many kids do you have and what are their ages?
I have two children – Amaris (9 years old) and Amichai (7 years old).
What do you love about living in Stamford?
Stamford, though it is bustling thriving city, feels like a small town. That’s what I love most about it. It’s character from the urban setting of Harbor Point, Bedford and Summer Streets; to the quiet neighborhoods of Springdale and rural landscapes of North Stamford and blending pot of cultures reminds me of my birth country- Jamaica.
What are your favorite family activities in the area?
Some of our favorites include July 4th fireworks at Cummings Beach; Thanksgiving Day Parades; and visiting local eateries or diners for celebrations and dinners – Elm Street, Lake Side, Kampei and Slice.
Tell us about She Worms Composting.
She Worms Composting is a vermicomposting business based in Stamford. We recycle food waste by feeding it to earthworms who in turn produce worm compost once the food waste passes through their digestive system. We package and offer the refined product of worm compost (called worm castings) in various package sizes for use on indoor plants and out door gardens. Additionally we breed composting worms (red wigglers) and offer hands on workshops and seminars to educate and help others see composting in a tangible way from ages K to 99!
What was the inspiration behind your business?
The inspiration behind my business came when I moved to Connecticut with my family to live. We had our yard cut, and the yard waste was left behind. When we inquired about why it was left behind, we were told we never paid for that service, so we had two choices: 1) continue paying extra for cleanup or 2) compost. We first started with cold-backyard composting with our yard waste but then pivoted to Vermicomposting with food waste- which is why we are called She Worms. I also believe my background in architecture and sustainable development, has allowed me to connect the theory of sustainability to practical, everyday action through worm composting. What started as a small personal effort has evolved into a passion for reducing waste and regenerating soil.
What impact do you hope to make on the community with She Worms Composting?
My hope is to help shift the way people think about composting. Too often, composting is seen as complicated, messy, or time-consuming, and I believe that perception is one of the biggest reasons many people shy away from it.
The reality is that composting can be practical, accessible, and incredibly impactful once people understand its value in everyday life. That is the mission of She Worms Composting — to demonstrate the practical benefits of vermicomposting, and by extension, composting as a whole, within our community.
We want people to see that food waste is not simply garbage; it can be transformed into a power-packed resource that helps restore and support soil health. Healthy soil leads to healthier food, healthier food supports healthier people, and healthier people create healthier communities.
What is your advice to families that want to begin composting?
Jump in and get your hands dirty (lol)!
The best way to truly understand composting and experience its benefits firsthand is to start doing it AT home. Don’t be afraid to begin imperfectly. Composting is a learning process, and every mistake teaches you what works and what doesn’t.
At She Worms Composting, we champion vermicomposting because once your worm system is established, it becomes one of the easiest and most efficient methods of composting available. While it does require a little attention in the beginning, the payoff is worthwhile. You’ll be amazed by the strength, resilience, and versatility of these tiny wiggling workers and the powerful transformation they create from everyday food waste.
How do you juggle work and mommyhood?
Honestly, I sometimes ask myself the same question. I truly believe I’m able to juggle work and mommyhood because of the incredible support system I have, especially my husband of 17.5 years. His support allows me to show up in the many roles I carry as a wife, mother, employee, and entrepreneur. And my desire to give the best version of myself in each of those spaces keeps me going.
I also make a conscious effort to take care of myself. I stay on top of eating a balanced diet, my vitamins, pacing myself, and listening to my body. When the adrenaline and energy are there, I give maximum output; but when my body tells me it needs rest, I rest.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve gotten from another mom?
Courtesy of one of my dear Mom Sisters Stacey-Ann, “We have to do what we have to do, until we can do what we want to do.”