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Did you miss me, Reader?
I've. Missed. You.
January 2025 flew by in a heartbeat. Or is that feeling just me?
Now, I'm asking myself the big questions. What's the point? To take a break? To build something mine? To feel connected?
For the past three weeks (yikes—THREE?), I’ve been getting cozy with discomfort. You know that itch for change? Like a haircut or new tattoo. Weekend decor overhaul. New business direction. Fresh garden layout?
I've done at least two since we last chatted. Plus some life-changing habits.
TL;DR This week's growth guide —
- ☁️ How cold turkey killed my creativity (and why it’s back)
- 🏡 Steal my small-space garden re-design (bye bye, trellis)
- 📆 SAVE THE DATE: My *NEW* Garden-To-Table Notion Database drops February 18!
- 🐝 The branding advice Beyoncé wants you to hear
- 💬 Honest answers to your biggest garden & biz questions
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Missed our IG chats? I'll be back next week with the intention of every interaction being a love letter. So expect (and please be kind + welcoming) to new changes to my content in the next few weeks:
- More garden explanations - what I’m doing and why
- Homegrown recipes - from seed to plate
- Branding + storytelling tips
- Systems + strategies to make your business feel more purposeful
- Glimpse of Cam’s chaos
P.S. If you prefer the scenic tour, keep scrolling. It reads like a Tumblr blog circa 2011.
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01. Cold Turkey → Creative Reset
Not the cutest, most garden-girl thing to share, but after seven years of nicotine addiction, I quit.
Cold turkey.
And I'm really proud of myself :)
I decided it was time to let go of that version of me that needed to be numb.
Describe withdrawal in one word? Brutal.
My brain and body didn't feel like my own. The first six days? No sleep. Brain fog. Sweating. Eating everything. Snapping at my husband (sorry, hon).
I spent a whole day crying to my mom on the phone.
But like my mentor always says: "Tension creates change". And it's our responsibility to see it through.
I started moving again - yoga, barre, even tried running (cardio ain't for me). Made real meals. Found new routines.
Today marks Day 11 of living nicotine free.
2,500+ days of habit, rewired. And now? A lifetime to choose to keep going.
If you've ever gone cold turkey before, I see you.
I'm not here with life advice or guilt trips. Just sharing what's happening behind the screen. Because sometimes the biggest transformations start with being honest about where we are.
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02. Set the Table (With New Digital Garden Tools)
With all this personal change, my business is blooming in new directions too.
Not just on Instagram. But across Pinterest. The blog. And right here in your inbox.
📅 SAVE THE DATE - February 18, 2025
My NEW Garden-to-Table Notion Database drops this month. And yes, you'll get a sneak peek next week.
Remember all those garden goals we've talked about? I've finally organized my entire process:
- Picking seeds you'll actually eat
- Growing food without second-guessing every step
- My favorite garden-to-table recipes (tested in my own kitchen!)
I've mapped out everything I learned going from "what am I doing?" to "oh, this works!"
It's the resource I wish I had when starting out. Like peeking into my garden-to-table planning brain, if you will.
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03. Set Your Garden Up For Success
Wondering how I'm maximizing every inch of our tiny garden?
I've broken down why I tore down that lovable Instagram-known trellis and re-designed my rental space last weekend.
Perfect for fellow renters and small-space gardeners who want to grow more without the permanent commitment.
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04. Beyoncé Your Brand
Beyoncé and her Grammy’s speech this week, said it best:
“I think, sometimes, genre is a cold word to keep us in our place as artists and I just want to encourage people to do what they’re passionate about.”
Sound familiar? It should. The same applies to your brand. Instead of squeezing yourself into a niche, think about how you position your work. It’s about packaging your skills in a way that makes you undeniable.
When we Beyoncé our brands (yes, I used her name as a verb), we stop fighting to stand out in an oversaturated space. Instead, we position ourselves as the go-to expert.
So, how can you apply this?
🛑 Stop obsessing over your niche—focus on what you bring to the table.
→ Trying to stand out as a flower farmer? Find your F.O.C.U.S. Factor. Specialize in one type of flower? Create installations instead of bouquets? Run the only mother-daughter flower biz? Use a growing technique? THAT'S YOUR FOCUS.
📦 Package your expertise in a way that feels expansive, not limiting.
→ Want more consultation clients? Don’t offer everything. Focus on what excites you—design, installation, or sourcing. If something falls outside your wheelhouse, refer it out. Clarity creates abundance.
🔥 Create in a way that reflects your passion, not just what’s trending.
→ Selling tinctures or garden tools? Don’t chase trends. Double down on what works. Promote only what you genuinely trust.
P.S. If you have a problem with calling this born & raised Texan’s art “country music”, you’re likely on the wrong email list.
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05. Q&A Round-Up
How did you set your 2025 business goals? First, I visualized seasonal goals. Then I printed a calendar—one page per month. Sorted by quarter, I mapped out monthly focuses for launches, collabs, and sales. This method keeps me clear-headed and avoids the dreaded overwhelm. |
How much space do I need for a small garden? Don’t stress about space—focus on sunlight. Got enough light, soil, and water? You’re golden. With the right selection, you can grow anywhere: planter boxes, balconies, or even indoors. |
Which fertilizer is best for fig trees? Fruit tree fertilizer with a 6-2-4 NPK ratio is my go-to. First number? Leaf growth. Second? Strong roots and buds. Third? Disease resistance. Down to Earth’s natural mix never misses. |
Should I use powder or liquid fertilizer? Powder fertilizer is a slow, steady nutrient release—perfect when planting. Liquid fertilizer? Instant plant power, great for seedlings. Hydroponic grower? Liquid’s your best friend since there’s no soil. |
Is your quiz still working? Yep and back up (after a Cam-created technical difficulties)! Take the “What’s Your Garden CEO Style?” quiz, find your type, snag personalized product ideas. |
New brand colors? Oh, you noticed? I swapped terracotta orange for cobalt blue. It feels bold, confident, and unapologetically me. Don’t be afraid to experiment until your brand looks right. Just keep your vibe consistent so your community knows it's still you. |
How much compost do I need for my raised beds? Depends on how much the bed’s settled. I typically add one cubic foot per bed at the start of each season. Homemade compost’s my jam, but EB Stone bagged compost fills in the gaps. |
Any new affiliate programs worth applying to? I’ve noticed more Millennial-friendly garden brands are pivoting to more creator-friendly affiliate platforms. Botanical Interest is leading the way with adding a new ambassador program on Superfilliate (in addition to their OG Share-A-Sale platform). Big names or older target audiences? Still catching up. I’m crossing my fingers that our favorite companies add more affiliate programs soon (I’m talking to you Fox Farm & San Diego Seed Company). |
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P.S. WHEN YOU'RE READY, HERE ARE 3 WAYS WE CAN WORK TOGETHER ↓
#1 More garden-to-table recipes in your 2025? Mark your calendar for February 18 (aka my new digital garden tool drop)!
#2 Live in a tiny space too? Read the blog & learn how I am changing my garden layout to grow more food in <100 sq feet →
#3 Tried a new style for this newsletter. Wrote a bit more. Made it more personal. Filled it with more stories. I'd really really love to hear what you think. Just hit reply and give me your feedback→
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You’re here because you signed up for Digital Garden Girl—where business, branding, and gardening grow hand in hand (plus weekly plant puns, obviously). If it’s not your season to grow, hit unsubscribe—I’ll miss you! Heads up: this email may have affiliate links. I earn a little green, but only share what I love.
CP Digital Solutions, LLC
San Diego, CA 92102, United States
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