Today we’d like to introduce you to Taffany Hyatt.
Hi Taffany, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
My journey into agriculture started at a young age. My dad is a horse trainer, so when I lived with him in Texas on his ranch, I was submerged in nature. Being able to roam free picking berries and catching frogs filled my five-year-old heart. From there, I went on to study engineering and agriculture in high school. Being a part of FFA (Future Farmers of America) helped build my public speaking skills, plant identification, land surveying and so much more! Unbeknownst to me, I was building the foundation for what I am doing today.
After doing three years in college for Civil Engineering, I dropped out. I realized that doing something just for the money wasn’t sustainable, at least for me. Sitting behind a computer pushing out drafts and crunching numbers while being depressed and unhappy with life was not something my five years old self would approve of. The only thing during that time that would bring me peace was going to my local community garden and tending to my plants. That was about ten years ago. Now, I have partnered with a plethora of organizations, nonprofits and community stakeholders to help maintain and build out community gardens and green spaces for everyone to enjoy. Curating safe spaces for families to utilize within their immediate vicinity creates a dynamic that fosters healthy family dynamics and healthy lifestyles.
During the pandemic, I was able to donate over 2,000 lbs (literally over a TON!) of fresh organic produce which was donated to food banks, churches, community and community pantries. Being able to aid people on their sustainable journey empowers them to be the sovereign being that we all naturally are from birth. Seeing the impact my work has further pushed me on my path to where I am today.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Although this has been a fulfilling journey, it has not been a smooth road. There are many times where the realities of gentrification, systemic oppression, redlining of communities and white privilege come into play. It’s crazy to see how capitalism hypnotizes people into becoming dependent on a system that is not meant for the melanated diaspora.
There have also been times where neighbors/community members sabotage a project. For instance, I’ve had white people outright tell me they will do everything in their power to stop any progress being made in the community. Oh, the joys of colonialism (note obvious sarcasm).
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
Through gardening, I have definitely grown as a creative. Not only do I offer garden consultations but my business, Trinity’s Essence, allows me to transmute my daily work into a more slow meditative process. Creating art, home decor and body products for the everyday spiritualist.
I am an artist whose favorite medium is watercolor and gouache. The inspiration I get from nature definitely reflects in my artwork. From the plethora of colors, textures and patterns, I am forever inspired.
I also create wreaths from the flowers I grow and dry. Resin talismans and home decor from what I might find in the garden. Even natural organic body products for the integration of the mind, body and soul.
I make seasonal can goods and tinctures which are created from what is currently in season (homemade pickles, fresh tomato sauce, pepper sauce and etc., just to name a few). I find that being able to be a conduit for nature to take on its many forms is one of my heart’s callings.
What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
The most important lesson I have learned along my journey is that there is no perfect way to grow; literally and figuratively. Nature being the perfect example of that. I like to say that plants are more resilient than most would like to think and that correlates to the human being as well. No one has it all figured out and we are all susceptible to the ebb and flow of life. What matters is how we handle the storms as they come. Are we allowing the winds of change to strengthen us or are we being uprooted because we didn’t take the time to grow deeply within ourselves.
I’ve also learned that unity in the face of oppression is key. With no solid foundation to stand on, many are faced with weathering this storm of economic turmoil and systemic apartheid by themselves. Look around and see what resources are available. You are not alone.
Pricing:
- Garden consultations: start at $125
- Resin art/decor: $5 – $85
- Art: $15+
- Organic Shea Butters: $17.77-$25.55
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.etsy.com/shop/TrinityByTaffany?fbclid=PAAaZYKZbzg09qXoxPeMvZd4GMvtT4wrIf_pCbEUdJId38SJh6OeUGSyvDQrQ&load_webview=1&bid=vUVBYZ5QFX8n2xOywQbu-LDBbifA
- Instagram: @theelementalgardner
