Meet Gabrielle: Master Gardener
It’s time that all of you meet the cutest mother/daughter biz partners ever and founders of Be Wise Gardens! The passion these two have for creating a better world through caring for our planet is astounding. Their work is intentional every step of the way to build the most beautiful green spaces you can imagine. Reading through Gabrielle’s interview is only a taste of that whimsical feelings I imagine her gardens have!
1. Tell us about who you are and your journey to where you are now!
I come from meadows and mountains where dogs howl late at night to a smiling moon. My life was carved from the forests of the last frontier and doused in the light of the aurora borealis. The first time I went to a dentist I was a teenager. The man with a shiny office and handfuls of sharp tools marveled at how it was possible to raise a child in such contrast to modern society and not have any rotten spots, a social security number or more than one pair of shoes. That pristine space burned a notion in me about the wild things colliding with the machine molded things and how that relationship can inspire or terrify at any given moment. Looking closely at my work, from the very beginning, it has always asked, “how does the natural and person-made coincide, conflict, build-up and tear down? What does my own resistance or acceptance lend to this life of art and design?”
Looking closely at the threads woven into the tapestry of my life and work; the last 27 years have found me filling walls with magical lands, constructing mythical spaces to inspire children, exploring the depths of purpose through textiles, unearthing fears of commercialism and selling out. I’ve layered trash with glue until it resembles Art, raked soil into prize winning gardens which had grounded me in the present. As a Garden Designer and also a Master Gardener, I fundamentally believe in the calling to take care of the place we call home. On a daily basis I teach people to make small steps toward stewardship, accountability and green living.
2. What is the mission of your brand? How does it empower women?
The mission of our brand is to bring together budding gardeners and plant nerds alike to discover the one big garden we all share so that we conserve resources, stop killing innocent plants and thrive through stewardship. Empowering women with knowledge absolutely encourages them toward a more successful life whether that is home based or otherwise.
3. How do you collaborate with women working towards a better world?
Our business revolves exclusively around collaboration. The green industry relies on all its parts to thrive. Whether that’s a grower, installer, designer, maintenance crew or the sprinkler tech, we need each part to work and function effectively. Our industry is very male dominated but every time we teach a women about the care of their green spaces and houseplants we are inviting them into our world. As a result, we empower them to take part in this aspect of their own outcomes in regard to the life, health and propagation of their chosen form of plant life.
4. What is the biggest challenge you’ve had to press through as a female entrepreneur and what are the steps you’ve taken to overcome it?
Creating your own space in the world is daunting and thrilling at the same time. As an entrepreneur since I was 16 when I started my first business, I have seen it all. I have failed far more than “succeed”. I have owned and operated 19 businesses to date, some simultaneously. From sewing professionally to a bakery, organization to coaching and everything in between. The most difficult part is pivoting when something is not working out. I have long stopped calling it quitting or giving up but pivoting. Every time a business has come to an end, I simply spend some time in prayer and meditation and seek the next pivot.
5. What advice would you give to a female entrepreneur in the beginning stages of launching her brand or business?
#1 ABSOLUTELY spend the time to write a business plan, even if it's basic.
#2 Only listen to people who know what they are talking about in regards to your business.
#3 Find a mentor or accountability partner
#4 Do not pay someone to do things you can do yourself at first but once you have a little financial room, give tasks to someone else. ie bookkeeping, social media, returning emails etc.
#5 Finally DO NOT give up but definitely pivot when necessary.
6. What sets your brand apart from others?
Because we care so much about all things green, our passion to excite others is our main difference. We are not landscapers or lawn crews, we are artists inspiring people to desire surroundings that bring them peace and well being.