I love the outdoors. I was born and raised under the golden California sun surrounded by ancient redwoods and iconic coastline. I am greatly influenced by both the natural world and the cultural diversity of the San Francisco Bay Area. I feel grateful to have been exposed to and influenced by so many perspectives, cultures, philosophies, and religions – and I honor them in the sacred spaces I create.
My landscaping journey began in my own backyard in the first house I ever rented in Arcata, California while attending Humboldt State University. The weather was grey and dreary but my garden was full of color and joy! An edible flower assortment, basil, dill, sweet peas, eggplant, peppers, carrots, corn, and wild blackberries decorated the landscape with bursts of color. It didn’t matter how rainy it was outside, my garden was a magical refuge encouraging me to slow down and observe lessons in growth and renewal. My passion for creating nurturing landscapes grew with each home or apartment rental I lived in, dedicating time and energy to thoughtful planning, artistry, feng shui, and carpentry. Friends, relatives, and coworkers began complimenting my gardens and asking for my help with their own home projects. Eventually I was designing the VIP lounge of a tea house venue in West Hollywood, as well as a ceremonial event space and yoga studio. Hollywood directors were asking to film in these beautiful spaces that once consisted of recycling bins and gravel. I hadn’t known the full potential of my aesthetic prowess until I witnessed myself stepping up to these types of challenges and it felt amazing to be able to share my passion.
I find so much joy in transforming underutilized or forgotten spaces into magical worlds that allow us to break free from every day stress buildup. Sacred nooks with intention that we can slip into stressed and emerge rejuvenated. Spaces that remind us to pay reverence to our earth, our spirit, ourselves. Being the catalyst for a client to step outside of their home and their psychic confines, and discover themselves in nature’s bounty is my definition of success.
KAJEdArt 