Today we’d like to introduce you to Brianne Dela Cruz.
Hi Brianne, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
My roots lie in nature. Gardenscapes and wildlands have always been where I’ve ventured to escape, learn, play, meditate, and re-connect. The beginning of my career path took me on a journey elsewhere. In my twenties, I worked in key roles at demanding corporate jobs that were rife with culturally toxic behavior.
Although I learned a lot about business, marketing, honest leadership, and entrepreneurship, those years left me burnt out, used, and disconnected from myself. On the precipice of a breakdown, I knew I needed to get back to my roots, slow down, and change my environment. At that time, gardening and foraging had been hobbies; side crafts in which I had developed expertise. I chose to make a drastic change in order to live my values and lead a more nourishing life.
And thus my blog, Gather & Grow, was born. I use that platform to educate and inspire folks all over the world how to grow the garden of their dreams, forage, wildcraft with plants, and connect to the seasonal rhythms of nature. Through this fulfilling work, I’ve cultivated a community of people who are rekindling these long-forgotten skills.
My purpose is to help others remember that kinship we have with nature and cultivate a nourishing connection to themselves, their community, and the earth. It’s very much a lifestyle dedicated to slowing down and rewilding.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Building Gather & Grow into the brand and community it is today has been a slow journey of growth.
A big challenge has been remembering that slow growth is still growth and that building a solid foundation is key to long-term sustainability and positive impact. My inner gardener knows this yet every summer I wait, most impatiently, for the harvest. Our culture today prizes businesses that grow rapidly. I’ve worked at companies that were awarded and revered for growing exceptionally fast. Yet, my experience tells me that fast growth isn’t necessarily an indication that the business is having a positive impact on the world or in the lives of the employees. I left the hustle of the corporate world believing in my core that slow, intentional, authentic, and aligned work will create the same if not better results in a business. I stand by that belief these 4 years later.
With Gather & Grow, rather than push to hit a certain number-based milestone, I’ve elected to define success based on impact, alignment with my values, and community connection. I rest when I’m tired, I pause a deadline to recalibrate when necessary, I create when inspired, I collaborate only with those that share values, and I always lead with my intuition. The right numbers have followed (if not exceeded my expectations), my dream opportunities have sought me out first, and the impact I’ve had has been far more reaching than I ever expected.
It’s made this journey surprisingly fluid.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’m a garden and foraging blogger where I spend my days creatively writing and taking photos to share on my blog. I enjoy partnering with brands in this niche to share sponsored or freelance content with my audience that highlights high quality products or unique experiences.
I am a teacher at heart, so my work is always rooted in educating and skill sharing. I have an online gardening course for beginners, and I host monthly workshops in-person locally and online. I excel at making this lifestyle beautiful, approachable, and actionable for average folks no matter where they live and no matter their experience level.
What makes me different from other gardeners, foragers, and wildcrafters is my unique relationship with nature. I teach the technical skills and the science behind the craft, but I also teach folks how to remember their kinship with the natural world and how to align their lives with cycles of the seasons.
What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
I feel that leading with my values has been very important to my success thus far. And, on top of that, following my intuition. That has made all the difference.
Pricing:
- $199 | Online Beginner Garden Course.
- $35 | Workshops.
Contact Info:
- Email: brianne@gatherandgrow.
com - Website: www.gatherandgrow.com
- Instagram: @_gatherandgrow_
- Facebook: @
gatherandgrowcommunity
Image Credits
Brianne Dela Cruz
