"Living in a busy city, plants are a way for me to connect with nature on a daily basis...getting to grow my own food and spend time outside tending to plants is one of the best ways to decompress and get away from my screens"
- Maddi Cislo
A couple of weeks back, we sat down with the founder of Rosy Soil, Chad Massura, to celebrate the launch of his eco-friendly potting mix products on the Marly website.
Today, we’re joined by Rosy Soil’s Marketing Manager, Maddi Cislo.
Her path to sustainable gardener began on a regenerative farm, and, after moving to Austin, Texas, she’s continued putting the earth-friendly methods she learned there into practice
We talk through her tips for eco-conscious urban gardening, how photography influences her personal and professional life, and how neglecting your plants might actually be the best thing for them...
Check out the full conversation below!
Hi Maddi, thanks for joining us today! First up, could you provide a mini bio on yourself and your background?
Sure! I have a degree in photography and I’m currently the Marketing Manager at Rosy Soil, where I bring my creative vision and passion for sustainability to life. Before joining Rosy Soil, I worked with small businesses, helping them craft their visual identities.
After taking a break to work on a regenerative farm, my love for plants and eco-friendly practices blossomed.
Outside of my professional life, you can find me in Austin Texas, attending concerts, snapping film photos, and eating too many tacos.
What do plants, nature and gardening mean to you?
Living in a busy city, plants are a way for me to connect with nature on a daily basis. I currently don't have space for a garden (it's on the list) but getting to grow my own food and spend time outside tending to plants is one of the best ways to decompress and get away from my screens!
What was it about Rosy Soil that attracted you to joining the team?
The mission. We've only got one chance with our planet! Getting to work towards bettering our environment is exciting and hugely motivating.
What's your favorite thing to grow inside your home or in the garden?
Hoya - I'm obsessed with the variety of leaves they produce and still waiting for the day I get my first bloom.
Do you have any unusual tips or tricks for keeping your plants healthy?
Haha, honestly? Neglect them!
I used to be a chronic over-waterer, now I let my plants tell me when they need water, keep an eye out for limp leaves and I always pop my finger in the soil before watering.
Are there any home or garden accessories/tools/products that you would recommend to our community, and why? (other than Marly & Rosy!)
Ooo I'm a simple gal, I'd say a solid pair of shears. I love to propagate and a good pair of shears makes the work easy.
How do plants and nature influence your photography work?
How light interacts with the world around us is something that has always caught my eye and inspired my work. I started my photography journey on black and white film, where you have to create interest with the absence of color and light does just that.
Whether I'm on a hike or walking through the city I'm always taking note of the fun patterns and shadows (also, you don't want to see how many sunset pics are on my camera roll).
What are you listening to, reading or watching right now?
Reading - Bunny by Mona Awad
Listening - so much Chappell Roan and Radio Rental Podcast
Do you have a favorite plant store(s)?
I love Tillery Street in Austin, Texas. Their greenhouse is a DREAM!
What are you working on this year?
Lots of Rosy! I'm excited to continue to tell the story of Rosy and the joy of planting through images.
Awesome, thank you Maddi! We’ll be following along all the way!
Thanks guys!
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Maddi Cislo is the Marketing Manager at Rosy Soil, a company creating soil that's crafted for the specific needs of indoor plants, using all-natural, renewable ingredients that optimize drainage, deliver plant-boosting nutrients, and support a diverse community of beneficial fungi and microbes.
Rosy Soil is great for your plants, and the planet.
Watch a video of Rosy Soil founder Chad repotting a Monstera in his Marly self-watering planter here.
Shop their eco-friendly potting mix here.
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