Today we’d like to introduce you to Britton Neubacher.
Britton, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
My first career in Social Work led to the kind of burnout only nature can heal. And it did. Bringing plants into my programs transformed our crisis centers; creating a centering sanctuary for people in the worst of life situations as well as for we stressed caretakers. Soon my passion for plants led me down a totally unexpected path and I dove into life as a working artist, with nature as my muse and medium. 11 years later I have never looked back. Even when I don’t know where the next project will come from, the plants ALWAYS provide!
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
This road has not been smooth but it has been deeply affirming that we will always be taken care of if we allow life to happen through us rather than to us. There have been many bumpy moments in this journey where fear or doubt have taken the wheel but I wouldn’t trade any of them because they force me to return to my values and my fundamental desire/impulse/imperative to be in service to beauty.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the TEND story. Tell us more about the business.
I am the owner and lead maker of TEND, a botanical design company offering inspired greening solutions and a full spectrum of plant art with lots a heart. While we have painted with plants in many expressions, we currently specialize in live green walls and taxidermy “plant portals,” with an eye towards sustainability and owner success. TEND was put on the proverbial plant map when I was still in crisis work and created the first hanging glass eco-orb terrarium, as popularized by Pigment in North Park, as my own imagined nature retreat. I am most proud of –and humbled by–the song nature continues to sing through TEND and its power to bring big smiles. I never know what tomorrow will bring but I will continue to trust and show up for the Green Beings in any way they will have me. I am most happy when I can facilitate art that deepens the sacred partnership between humans and the natural world.
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
Hmmm…luck! I certainly have been fortunate to have been gifted extremely generous mentors, supporters, and cheerleaders along the way. But I don’t believe in a random Universe that doles out occasional luck so much as one that responds to the signals we emit. I am super dedicated to a practice of gratitude and getting out of the damn way of myself. The act of simply allowing good things serves me and my craft on the daily, and nature is such an amazing teacher in this. We are all immeasurably lucky to co-exist with plants and their beautiful medicine!
Pricing:
- $350 +
Contact Info:
- Website: www.tendliving.com
- Phone: 858.876.TEND
- Email: tendliving@gmail.com
- Instagram: tendliving
- Facebook: TEND
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