Reflect and Evolve.
We’ve been in business for two years now (!!), and if you’ve been with us from the beginning (thank you!), you’ve probably seen some organic evolution. We’re all about honesty around here, so let’s say that when we started The Nurtured Seedling, in the Fall of 2021, the code-name that were using for a while was “The Garden Project”, because it really was a project, an experiment, if you will. At the time, we knew what we were solving for: creating space for people to get together safely and re-create/grow the community that was neglected during the pandemic. We wanted to give kids and families opportunities to engage with each-other and the garden.
Our community, like everyone else around us, had experienced isolation, it was a dark time, and we were all just craving connection. Beyond that, we didn’t really know where this was going, but we dove in head first- creating a website, collateral, social (ourselves! eeek!), and setting up all the legal stuff (double eeek!) Flavia got to work creating ALL the amazing curriculum for the kids’ series, and I (Darina) focused on partnerships and events. We had this idea, committed to it and each-other, and kind of just took it a month at a time.
(Here we are, Flavia left, Darina right, just before our very first Kids Gardening class, on Oct 28, 2021.)
Over the last two years, we definitely learned by trial and error. And let me tell you, we’ve learned A LOT. We’ve learned flexibility- especially when the weather turns and we end up scrambling to buy a giant blue tent (“Big Bertha”) two days before an event. We’ve learned different strategies for supporting kids as they learn to work together, be respectful to the garden and each other, and create an environment where every child is able to learn and have fun. We’ve learned a LOT about running a business, and did our absolute best to figure out business taxes (with some help, of course). In the process, we’ve met some amazing small-business women like ourselves, many of whom we are now proud to call friends, organically added to our offering, made countless Pinterest-worthy kids’ snacks, scraped frosting and paint off all surfaces and ourselves…….
We also learned just how well we work together…(here we are, unintentionally matching for an event): Darina, the impulsive (instinctive?), beautifully-scattered, big- thinking, ADHD brain, and Flavia, the impeccably-organized, calm, voice of reason. We keep each-other accountable, support what the other person is passionate about, we’re not afraid to take risks together, and we’ve had a damn good time doing it all. We’re marveling at the community we’ve created:
The inspiring groups of women who’ve attended our events (and the relaxed, joyful looks on their faces as they proudly took some time for themselves).
The curious kids who can’t stop eating the tomatoes and snap peas that they planted earlier in the year (and their beautifully dirt-covered and paint-splattered hands).
The families that have supported us from the very beginning, who join us time and time again; all the new friends we’ve made over the last two years. It’s been an AMAZING adventure.
Now, two years in, we’re even more excited than ever about all the things we have planned for next year. With just two more events left this year and our kids series taking a break for the holidays, we are preparing for our “Big Planning Day” in early November. We have SO many ideas and our focus now is to be much more intentional as we move forward. Get ready to see more of what you’ve loved, but also some changes that we think you’ll love even more!
Indulge us in this garden-inspired metaphor: as the garden evolves season to season, we will follow her cues and evolve as well. We are the gardeners, and so are YOU, so we invite you to join us in this evolution - we give gratitude for your feedback and your reviews, your endless support, and inviting your own community to join this little village. Stay tuned to learn more about ALL that’s coming up next year!
xx, darina and flavia
