Creativity and Wellbeing inspired by nature
Lauren Snyder (they/she) : Lead Herbalist & Botanical Artisan
Lauren is a queer herbalist and botanical artisan who is passionate about bringing people and plants together through cultivation and creativity.
Lauren grew up in the Ojai Valley and always had a deep connection to the land and ecosystems there. Lauren’s childhood memories were woven together through elementary school hikes with a fourth grade teacher who taught the students all the names of the native flora alongside the trail; countless hours spent meandering around the family ranch plucking fruits and walnuts from the orchard; and getting lost in books about young kids foraging wild berries and living off the land.
As a child, Lauren often wished to live in a beautiful wooded forest with blackberries and countless medicinal and edible foods; lamenting the seemingly scarce offerings of the valley’s chaparral. However, as she grew up, Lauren began to build deeper bonds with the native plants and discover the vast nourishing and healing powers of Ojai’s botanical realm.​
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Throughout much of early adulthood, Lauren sought small ways to always keep plants nearby; always keeping fresh cut flowers in the house, growing kitchen window herb gardens, painting and writing poetry about native plants, and carting a beloved lavender plant through multiple moves. When Lauren and their family purchased their first home; the gardening bug bit HARD, and Lauren began slowly morphing the concrete and crabgrass yard into a flourishing and thriving food and medicinal herb forest.
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Along the long and meandering path of life; Lauren discovered that all roads led back to the plants. Whether it was in the garden, piled amongst a binder full of herbalism notes, woven into the threads of floral embroidery, or captured in the words of poetry; the plants were always there.
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And thus, Thimble & Seed was born!
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Thimble & Seed is a tapestry of delights to invite people into the wonder and whimsy of the plant world. It is a hub of information, education, art, and mentorship. Thimble & Seed is a place for everyone to come and dance among the leaves and flowers and embrace the magic in whatever way suits them. Whether it is finding support and seedlings to start your own medicinal garden; or commissioning a custom floral embroidery piece to bring the garden with you wherever you go; Thimble & Seed is a space for all people to remember and reconnect with the wonder of Kingdom Plantae.
What you will find here...
Thimble & Seed is home to a variety of wonders inspired and made possible through the magic of the natural world:
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Our Botanical Boutique that carries items like:
-Plant based art
-Online herbal and gardening resources
-Herbal garden supplies
-Seasonal herbal products for lifestyle & wellness
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Our Events & Services page hosts opportunities for community such as:
-Outdoor and Nature based Yoga classes
-Plant Walks
-Community building through Creativity
-Herbal Gardening Classes
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Our Writings page offers:
-Educational Blogs
-Nature based poetry and prose
-Personal prompts and practices to inspire your connection to Mother Nature
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With more things being added every season, be sure to check in frequently, or stay connected by signing up for our monthly email community!
