YMBB

Paloma Teppa: A Talent, an Inspiration and

a Role Model.

Photograph by Cesar Barroso.

She’s the mastermind behind the unique creation of “Plant the Future” Not your typical floral arrangement shop but on the contrary a very unique one. Located on the heart of Wynwood’s Art District, surrounded by all the different Galleries, it will definitely catch your eye as you walk on 2nd avenue or even if your having lunch at Joey’s.

Paloma focuses on Indoor Gardening and uses Orchids, Bromeliads, Cacti, Bonsai and other plants to create each unique piece. She recently started selling her own “Plant” necklaces (Which I love) and is currently working with a fashion designer to create a clothing line that also includes plants. Oh, and she is also working on a project for Miami’s Art Basel, so don’t forget to look for her.

So, we have an Artist, Business Woman, Entrepreneur, Industrial Designer, Fashion Designer, Stylist, Florist, and I can keep going. But enough with all the talents we can easily see without having to talk to her and let’s get to know Paloma Teppa a little more.

I sat with her for a couple of hours on a Saturday afternoon to have lunch and went over a couple of questions I was curious about:

Me: I know you’re from Argentina, How long have you been living in Miami?

Paloma: I moved here 10 years ago. Before that, I lived in Torino, Italy for 4 years and that’s where I went to school for Fine Arts.

Me: But you’re also an Industrial Designer, right?

Paloma: Yes, I graduated as an Industrial Designer in Cordoba, Argentina, which was where I was born and raised.

Me: Why Plants?

Paloma: Being connected to Nature is essential for me. It gives me an amazing peaceful feeling I can’t explain. And my name is Paloma so I’m also an animal (We both laugh) And I love that I can share this with people through my plants. I just think that the more connected we are to nature, the better we are emotionally and spiritually. That’s why you see Olguis, during Art walk all of the people that come to “Plant the Future” and don’t leave.

Me: Yes, I can barely get a chance to say Hi, it’s always crowded.

Paloma: Haha, Yes. And I don’t think its something that I do. Just simply being connected with nature is something we all need but don’t realize we do. So, just by being in a place that’s filled with that it will unconsciously make you stay.

Me: Has it change your life somehow?

Paloma: It definitely has.We’ve all suffered in different ways and I feel like plants have cured me without even noticing it. They don’t talk, bark or tell you what they need. They’re silent but have so many marvelous things to give. The more I work with plants, the more I enjoy silence and the better I can communicate with people.

Me: I read that “Plant the Future” partnered up with “Trees for the Future” (Which is an organization that helps plant trees in areas affected by natural disasters, and other related causes)

Paloma: Yes, we donate a percentage of our sales, it’s not huge but every little counts. It’s a very serious organization. You can actually choose a place anywhere in the world where you want to plant the tree, my husband and I always choose the one that needs it the most. You can check their website, if you're interested in helping too: http://www.treesftf.org/

Me: Tell me, what message does “Plant the Future” want to give to people?

Paloma: My message to people is “Live the present and every moment passionately.” I always give my clients, friends and anyone that approaches me the best that I have. And hopefully him or her does the same thing with everyone else. I feel like we live in a very superficial world where we’re worried too much about our looks that we forget about our very own essence. I believe we’re all beautiful and perfect in our own way; we’re so lucky to be alive and have an opportunity every day to live life and appreciate every moment. At least that’s what makes me happy.

Me: Great message. It's very true. Thank you so much for sharing.

If you’re still asking yourself why I wanted to have Paloma Teppa as my first interview, then let me refresh your memory: She’s not only a smart and talented person, but also an amazing woman. She’s definitely the kind of older sister, best friend or mother anyone would want to have. The passion, drive and love that she has for what she does really inspires you a lot. Those of you that know her personally, know exactly what I'm talking about and for those that don't, well, I really hope I made my point clear.

You should stop by “Plant the Future” this Saturday during Art Walk and/or sometime in the future because: You can see how great her work is, introduce yourself, and tell her you read this and wanted to meet her personally.

You should shop there because: Prices are affordable; they start at $25. You can buy your mom, boss, sister, friend, boyfriend, neighbor something different and unique.