Today we’d like to introduce you to Destiny Cruz.
Hi Destiny, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Stemma Plants started from a really personal place. Growing up on an island made me appreciate nature in such a deep, natural way being surrounded by it every day, you learn to slow down and really see the beauty in growing things. So loving plants has always been a part of me.
But it wasn’t until after having my second baby that plants took on an even deeper meaning. I found myself in a tough season postpartum depression had taken a toll on me. In the middle of all that, I started turning to my plants. I didn’t plan for it to be anything big… it just felt good. Caring for them, watching new leaves pop up, seeing them thrive it gave me a little spark of hope when I needed it most. It reminded me that healing isn’t instant, and that even the smallest steps forward matter.
That’s when I realized I wanted to share that feeling with others. I started Stemma by selling plants, but it quickly grew into something more. I began offering workshops to help people see how plants reflect our own lives they teach us to slow down, to nurture with intention, and to find joy in the little changes along the way.
The name Stemma means “family tree” in Greek, and that felt so fitting. Family is everything to me and the word even has my daughter’s name, Emma, right inside it. It just felt meant to be.
My hope is that Stemma becomes more than just a place to bring plants home it’s a space where people can slow down, connect, and grow right alongside their greenery.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
A smooth road in business? I don’t think that exists! Every business comes with its own set of challenges especially when you’re starting one with a newborn in your arms. Balancing motherhood and building something from the ground up is definitely hard, but it’s not impossible. There’s always going to be challenges, but it’s taking those challenges and using them as fuel that’s helped me grow. Each one has taught me something about patience, about resilience, about how capable we really are when we lean into our strength.
It’s shown me just how powerful women can be. So yes, it’s been a challenge but it’s also been a joy. Every tough moment has led to something meaningful.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
Through my workshops at Stemma Plants, I teach people how to care for their plants from the basics to the more advanced challenges. But more than that, I try to shift the way people see plants. I believe we have so much in common with them, and when we stop to notice those connections, it becomes less about “having a green thumb” and more about understanding how to nurture life both in plants and in ourselves.
People often tell me, “I just can’t keep a plant alive.” But I remind them that as humans, we all need light, nourishment, care, and patience and plants are no different. When we recognize that connection, plant care starts to feel more natural and less overwhelming. That shift in perspective is something I’m really proud of making plants feel less intimidating and more like something anyone can confidently grow.
What sets my work apart is how I blend plant care with personal growth. My workshops aren’t just about keeping a plant alive they’re about showing people they already have what it takes to help something grow.
Can you talk to us a bit about the role of luck?
I don’t really think of my journey in terms of good luck or bad luck. To me, it’s more about timing, growth, and staying rooted in what I love. Some businesses bloom quickly, others take time and I’ve learned to be okay with that. I’m focused on growing something meaningful, building a strong foundation, and creating a community that shares in the love of plants. Every step, even the small ones, feels purposeful. And honestly, getting to do what I love and connect with others through it that feels like good luck to me already.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.stemmaplants.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stemmaplants
