Growing up, I used to hate flowers. I thought it was silly to buy them just for them die shortly after.

But at the lowest point of my life, I bought myself flowers on a whim. Little did I know... Seeing the flowers everyday, changing out the vase water, and watching them wilt before dying helped me realize their purpose and mine. 

Flowers aren't meant to last forever. Their job is to keep us present. They help us appreciate the beauty of life and of death. Observing their short-lived beauty allowed me to see my own life in a different perspective. Life is truly short and there is so much to enjoy if you're willing to be present. This is how I came to realize that flowers and nature’s beauty can nourish and heal the soul. Their fleeting beauty is a reminder of the short time we have to bloom into the best version of ourselves in this world.

Before long, I found myself starting my own garden and spending every day there watching the fruits of my labor grow into something beautiful. It became harder and harder to show up for my corporate job where I was often underestimated in a male dominant field. I quit my career of 10+ years and I turned an ugly, barren patch of dirt (and trash) into The Darlin’ Garden. I didn’t realize the healing I needed until I started to feel my soul heal and my inner self unfold.

The products I make for you are inspired by the garden and my journey of healing. This story may sound dramatic and in truth—it is. I owe my life to the garden, nature, and its ability to heal. My hope is that a bit of that healing can reach you too for whatever it is you’re going through (cause we’re all definitely going through it).

With love,
Darlena