Today we’d like to introduce you to Molly Wood.
Molly, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
My earliest childhood memories are sitting by a creek, building rock pools for my dolls to play in… my Barbies were very outdoorsy! I have always been interested in creating organic environments. Nature is perfect; it is my playground and has been my inspiration from day one.
I became more seriously interested in design after high school while traveling and working in Europe. This was definitely a time of awakening and inspiration… I became fascinated with the beauty and simplicity of symmetry, the sense of place and permanence that structure provides, and the concept of creating spaces that evoke emotion.
Returning to the States in my early twenties, I studied art and design at the Academy of the Arts in San Francisco before moving to Laguna Beach, California. It was here that I got my “practical education,” working at a local nursery and venturing out into the field maintaining private gardens… literally digging in the dirt as a one-woman operation. Thus began the evolution of Molly Wood Garden Design.
I am so fortunate to have been able to fuse my creativity with my passion for nature to create a company that has evolved into a lifestyle brand offering design, furniture, pottery, plants, and other unique garden elements… everything from concept to candlesticks.
As Molly Wood Garden Design continues to grow, I pride myself on still personally getting out in the garden to dig in the dirt… I just have a few more hands to help now!
Has it been a smooth road?
I always welcome a good challenge, and being a working mom is definitely challenging! Like everyone, I can find the work/life balance to be elusive, but because I’m just as passionate about my work as I am about my family and life outside of work, every day offers up something wonderful to do an I try to focus on – and celebrate – that.
Thankfully, my family loves being outside as much as I do, so if we’re on a coastal road trip to search for the perfect waves for my kids and husband to ride, I can squeeze in some time to look at coastal gardens and sit back and appreciate – and be inspired by – the landscapes we find ourselves in.
I’m also lucky to work in beautiful environments that make work not feel like “work,” spending days with my clients and my team in gorgeous gardens and the lovely spaces we’ve created in our shop in Costa Mesa. Speaking of challenges, opening a shop was definitely a challenge – but has been an opportunity for personal and professional growth, too. I opened Molly Wood Garden Design in 2008 and didn’t realize at the time how much it would add to my plate, from a work perspective.
I’ve learned so much about the retail side of the business, made mistakes along the way that, in turn, showed me the way forward. The shop has been a critical part of my success, especially as I continue to forge a lifestyle brand. Those who haven’t experienced my work in private gardens can come to immerse themselves in the Molly Wood Garden lifestyle at the shop – selecting plants, attending workshops, browsing my curated finds from around the country, and relaxing in the beautiful spaces we’ve created there.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Molly Wood Garden Design – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
My goal with Molly Wood Garden Design – whether it’s at a private home or in my shop – is to bring people closer to nature by creating inviting outdoor spaces, as well as showing them how to bring nature indoors with plants and accessories. In a time where we’re so connected to tech and work – with most of us spending nearly 95% of our time indoors, it’s more important than ever to show people how to enjoy nature and the outdoors.
We need to reconnect with that energy and space to feed our souls, connect with others and understand, truly, why we need to take care of the Earth. Appreciation is the route to conservation and I’d like to think I’m playing even a small part in that shift in my community.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
As anyone knows, building, running and growing a successful business of any type or size is a true team effort. I am so fortunate to have an amazing village of supporters, collaborators and inspires – all close to home! My husband, Mark, is my biggest support and has been the architect of the business side of Molly Wood Garden Design.
My Dad and stepmom also have provided Mark and me with valuable business advice and insights that have propelled the brand forward. And, I owe a debt of gratitude to my mom for being a hippie and showing me the beauty and perfection of nature at an early age.
Contact Info:
- Address: 1660 Orange Avenue, Costa Mesa, CA 92627
- Website: http://mollywoodgardendesign.com/
- Phone: 949.548.1611
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shopmollywood/; https://www.instagram.com/mollywoodgarden/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/MollyWoodGarden
Getting in touch: VoyageLA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
