Who are you and what do you do?
My name is Katya and I started Plantidote Designs in 2020 with the hope of making indoor greenspaces available to everyone. My greenwalls use real, preserved greenery which requires ZERO CARE - yes, seriously! No water, light or soil. It's greenery without the commitment. I also create botanical displays using resin - a new product! Come check it out - Plantidote Designs at booth #308, and on Instagram/Facebook @plantidote.designs
How does where you live influence your work?
Minnesota's nature scene is a huge influence for my creations - the many lakes and trails, and especially the North Shore. I spend a lot of time looking down, observing the tiny details of what makes nature so special. Did you know there are over 500 species of bryophytes (moss, liverworts, and hornworts) in Minnesota? It's amazing what you'll find when you observe each unique growth pattern, every colorful and crunchy leaf, every tiny "weed" and bloom. I always consider these easy-to-miss details and nature's growth patterns and try to spotlight local species in my work when I can.
Will you be featuring any holiday items?
I have holiday ornaments of preserved botanicals and dried citrus (a historic representation of the sun and of the days growing longer, often used as holiday decor) in resin. This holiday season I will also be introducing a brand new product - botanical wall displays for the home, preserving flowers and foliage in resin for years to come!
What do you love most about craft show vending?
What I've loved most since starting my business is connecting with the community at these local markets. I really enjoy the high energy of these events. Connecting with people over a shared love of greenspaces brings me so much joy. It's at these events when I feel that my craft is progressing the most - getting my work seen by people instead of hanging on the walls of my home is a huge deal and I'm so grateful for the opportunity.
Where do you see your business in 3 years?
It's hard to say. When I started I knew nothing about running a business (I often still feel like I don't know what I'm doing) but as long as I keep creating and sharing those creations with others, things seem to move forward bit by bit. I consider Plantidote Designs my full-time work, but I rely financially on temp work. I hope that in 3 years I can lean into my business to support me and my future endeavors. I'd love to see my work featured in local Minneapolis businesses as custom pieces.
www.plantidotedesigns.com
www.instagram.com/plantidote.designs
www.facebook.com/plantidote.designs