Meet Brandy Williams of Garden Butterfly in South Central Los Angeles

Today we’d like to introduce you to Brandy Williams.

Brandy, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
Garden Butterfly emerged from a curriculum that I developed while earning a Master of Arts in Human Services-Executive Leadership. The course of study focused on living classrooms that comprised of sustainable practices, pollinator education, and the basic elements of garden design and development in inner-city schools. As a result of this project, and with garden design and maintenance experience, in 2015, I was inspired to start an environmentally conscious business, creating drought-tolerant gardens, pollinator habitats and sensory gardens to provide beauty and promote conservation practices that protect pollinators.

Raised in Compton, California, by a sharecropper’s daughter, I learned at an early age the value of sustainability; growing and preparing my own food. My first significant orientation to gardens and insects was developed during the meetings I had with my grandmother while planting and harvesting collard greens in our garden. My garden chores were accompanied with stories she shared about her experiences and responsibilities while growing up on a farm in the south. The lessons she handed down to me awakened a special appreciation for the beauty and importance of plants and insects, and the incredible interdependence of their relationship.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
This journey has not been a smooth road and my decision to become a landscape professional did not happen overnight. There are times when I feel intimidated working as a female contractor in a male dominated industry; however, I soon settle my emotions and remember that I am supposed to be here. Challenges build strength and struggle builds character. The struggles come when I am faced with new opportunities and unfamiliar situations, but that is when confidence and perseverance must prevail.

In an effort to make the road easier, I am constantly reading about topics that pertain to my industry. I also connect with industry professionals and ask questions. I have learned that it is a waste of time comparing my gifts and abilities to others, because each of us has a designated lane and something unique to offer.

Garden Butterfly – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
Garden Butterfly is a landscape company that was established to display the beauty of plants and provide opportunities for people to utilize their outdoor space as a sanctuary, no matter the size, and to ensure that pollinators have an appropriate habitat to thrive. I feel blessed to be a landscape professional in Southern California, because our climate allows us to design gardens that include our flora, as well as zone appropriate plants from Mediterranean climates.

I am known for my succulent tapestry garden designs, and the paintbrushes that I use to polish off each succulent for the grand reveal. Paintbrushes are an essential tool in my gardening toolbox, and you will definitely find one or two positioned in my back pocket during an installation. My favorite types of succulents are the rosette-forming echeveria from Mexico; and kalanchoe, jade, and many of the aloe plants found in South Africa. I adore the colors, textures and forms that these drought tolerant beauties display in each of my designs.

My proudest moments are when clients are pleased with the final outcome, and witnessing the bees, hummingbirds, and butterflies at work in the gardens that I create.

What is “success” or “successful” for you?
I personally define success as the happiness and satisfaction acquired in knowing that you have done your best in the pursuit of your goals, and are passionate about the work that you do.

Contact Info:

• Address: Los Angeles, CA 90044
• Website: www.gardenbutterflyla.com
• Phone: (213) 294-9181
• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: garden.butterflyla

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