Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Angelina Cristinzo, founder of Wild One Plants and Design, located in Richmond Hill, ON, Canada.

What's your business, and who are your customers?

Wild One is about empowering people to live in harmony with the natural world and to be able to grow their own food and medicines. I provide seedlings for all your organic gardening needs, including annual vegetables, herbs, medicinal plants (both native and non-native), as well, as plants to support our pollinators. Seedlings are all non-GMO from seeds that are never chemically treated (with a focus on heirloom and open-pollinated varieties) grown using all-organic methods. Wild One also offers permaculture garden design, garden coaching, and consulting to help you get started growing today!

Tell us about yourself

I was born and raised in an avid gardening family as well as one focused on holistic healing. I have always had a passion for the environment and a deep love of plants, and from a young age have been drawn to being in nature.

I have worked for many years as an outdoor and environmental educator of all ages, interested in nature connection. I then went on to focus my master's research on permaculture and regenerative agriculture as a climate solution within the context of education. Once I became a certified permaculture designer and teacher, I felt it was the natural next step to bridge my love of plants, nature connection, and passion for design into the creation of Wild One.

I have always felt drawn to the eco-philosophical perspective that permaculture principles, and ethics, embody as a way to change how humans see themselves in relation to the rest of the natural world. Knowing the paradigm-shifting potential permaculture has is a big motivator for me to work every day to empower people to make sustainable changes in their everyday lives and to reconnect to nature.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

I would have to say what I consider to be one of my biggest accomplishments is waking up every day doing something that I love. I care deeply about the work that I do and love being able to connect with so many incredible people. Whether it be designing a community garden, watching the seedlings grow, working with children in schools, or seeing the excitement of someone growing their own food for the first time... all of these experiences are the most rewarding part of being a business owner.

What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?

The hardest thing is the many hats that you have to wear. Having a business does not mean you only get to do the "fun" parts that you love or are passionate about. It also consists of you learning how to do all aspects of running a business. I would love to just be outside in the greenhouse or gardens every day, but there are also the many hours spent doing the back-end work of planning, budgeting, bookkeeping, etc.

What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?

  1. Find something you are passionate about- find what it is you truly care about. When the going gets tough, you are going to have those long days and late nights. It is this passion and love of what you are working towards that gives you the drive to keep on going!
  2. Create networks- can not stress how important it is to network and make connections. Creating a support system ensures success and opens up so many opportunities, which leads to exponential growth.
  3. Take the time to connect with your customers- making a personal connection makes for a positive experience for them. It allows you to have a better understanding of your customer's wants and needs.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

Know that when starting a business, you are going to make mistakes and have some setbacks; it's all a part of the growing pains! What's important is giving yourself the space to learn from these mistakes and take the time to acknowledge how far you have come. It's easy to always be looking ahead or being caught up in what you still need to do. Remember to take a step back and recognize all the hard work you have put in you so far.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://wildoneplantsanddesign.ca/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wildoneplantsanddesign/


If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solopreneur that you'd like to share, then email community@subkit.com; we'd love to feature your journey on these pages.

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