I grew up in Nepal, a land where every direction was adorned with majestic mountains, lush hills, flowing rivers, and a vibrant tapestry of colorful flowers. Nature's beauty surrounded me, painting my world with hues of green and every imaginable shade of bloom. Little did I know that my move to Minnesota in 2011 would introduce me to a completely different landscape—a land that appeared, at first glance, flat and devoid of the rolling hills and mountains I had called home.
Minnesota's winters were long and cold, and the absence of vibrant blooms during these months left me yearning for the colorful flowers of Nepal. It was during this time that I discovered the Como Conservatory—a sanctuary of life and color nestled amidst the cold winters. Never had I thought I would miss plants and flowers so much, but those visits to the conservatory became a lifeline, a connection to the natural world that was so deeply ingrained in my upbringing. Every visit to the grocery store turned into a floral adventure. I couldn't help but pause to admire the flower bouquets and green plants. I savored their beauty with my eyes, soaking in every detail, knowing that these brief encounters would sustain me until the next visit to the Conservatory.
In 2015, I became a homeowner. With the power to transform my own little piece of Minnesota land, I decided to fill it with the vibrancy of flowers. I had never tried my hand at gardening in Nepal, but I approached this new endeavor with a sense of wonder and determination. With minimal experience, I planted whatever I fancied, and to my delight, the seeds I carefully sowed never failed to bloom. It was as if the land had embraced my intentions and responded with its own burst of life.
Living in an area of Roseville teeming with bunnies and deer presented its challenges. These furry neighbors had a taste for my flowers and vegetables, and it became a constant battle to protect my precious plants. Yet, as someone who seeks to spread joy and kindness, the process of gardening became a profound lesson.
The seeds taught me to keep sowing, to keep spreading hope. Sometimes, the results were immediate, and sometimes, they took time to flourish. It was a lesson in patience and calm perseverance. Just like planting a seed, we must nurture our hopes and dreams, tending to them with care and patience, knowing that they will eventually grow and bear fruit.
Over the past two years, I've become more intentional about planting flowers. I've learned that flowers have the power to make people happy. Passersby often stop and point at the blooms in our yard. They strike up conversations, and some even take pictures. It's a simple yet powerful reminder of the beauty that nature offers and how it can bring people together.
One of my neighbors is a landscaping enthusiast, and I shared with him the profound impact flowers have had on my life and the joy they bring to the customers at Namaste Brows & Boutique. Inspired by this, he planted even more flowers this year. Twice a week, I have the pleasure of visiting his beautiful garden to pick flowers and take them to the store. I create reels, capture photographs, and arrange them in vases at the reception desk and on the center of the visiting table.
The presence of these flowers fills me with joy, and I see that joy reflected in the smiles of our customers. It's a simple gesture that fosters positivity and connection. It encourages me to dream of planting even more beautiful flowers next year, creating a space where beauty and kindness can flourish side by side.As Buddha once said, "If we could see the miracle of a single flower clearly, our whole life would change." In the simple act of planting and nurturing flowers, I have found a source of boundless hope and joy. It's a reminder that even in the midst of life's challenges, beauty can bloom, and kindness can flourish, both in our own hearts and in the hearts of those we touch with our actions.
So, I continue to plant hope, one seed at a time, knowing that each bloom carries the potential to change not just a garden but also a life.
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