Today we’d like to introduce you to Shayan Khatibi.
Shayan, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My first experience gardening was in Miami, FL with my grandfather. He would set me up with clay to play with while he worked on his paintings. After lunch, we would always tend to his garden. I never really stopped playing with plants throughout my youth, always having a garden.
In college, I studied botany and biochemistry and ended up with a position as a horticulturalist at Disney EPCOT. After leaving Disney I continued working in various parts of the industry like a reforestation project in Costa Rica on Earth Rose Farm, managing 40 acres of in-ground vegetable production at KYV Farms, and commercial plug and liner production at Knox Nursery.
Finally, after getting married and settling with family here in Jacksonville, my career led me to open The Estate Gardeners to serve fine gardening and high-end commercial markets.
As I worked our customers organically asked for design help which led me to start our firm Shayan Nicholas Landscape Design where we design one-of-a-kind functional and beautifully interactive landscapes which serve the homeowner and bring joy to their days.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
My biggest struggle was always my speech impediment as a youth. I always thought it was my weakness but as I got older I learned nobody really cared about it.
Once I stopped caring about it, I really released the brakes to be able to create and dream again. In hindsight, I feel like it helped shape the person I am today, and I really like myself, so I am thankful for it.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I specialize in Residential and Commercial Landscape Design. My experiences as a Florida native and professional horticulturist have taught me what works in our area and what looks good.
I combine this knowledge with my passion for design and creating living spaces that my customers enjoy every day.
Before we go, is there anything else you can share with us?
Everyone can benefit from a relationship with plants!
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: www.ruahgardens.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theestategardeners/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theestategardeners/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/ruahgardens/
