Meet Tatiana Castro | Latina Naturalist + Educator

We had the good fortune of connecting with Tatiana Castro and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Tatiana, how does your business help the community?
Teachings by Tatiana is an initiative I created dedicated to bringing learners of all ages in touch with nature. I whole-heartedly believe that nature exists in each step of our everyday lives, and I work to be a guide to bridge the gap humans have with the natural environment. During my classes, workshops, and nature walks, you won’t be learning about plants for the sake of it – it’s a chance at becoming a part of something bigger. I work to show everyone how understanding plants and ecosystems can make a real difference in protecting our environment. As a participant, my goal is for you to walk away with practical knowledge that helps you take small, meaningful steps toward conservation in your everyday life.

What should our readers know about your business?
I’ve been a plant lover and one who “speaks for the trees” for as long as can I remember. Mother Nature was my first teacher, and I am honored to have found my calling by sharing her teachings with others. I have over 5 years of experience in informal education teaching in South Florida, as well as an intimate understanding of the environment and community. I started my business with the goal of getting learners to not only understand more about plants, but to connect with them in a way that feels personal and relevant to their lives.

I’m so proud to say that my family, friends, and community play a huge role in supporting my business goals. It is hard to be a one-woman show, but asking for and accepting help has been one of the greatest lessons I have taken to heart on this journey. By being authentic and honest with myself about my needs, wants, and goals, I’ve found myself aligning with great allies who believe in my dreams, too. With each question I ask or each piece of advice I get, I feel more encouraged to show up for myself and my business each and every day.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Miami’s unique culture and climate inspires me so much! The city has so much to offer in the world of ecotourism and outdoor recreation which I could scream from the treetops. Within a week, I’d suggest the following highlights:

Eat: As a Colombian-American, I’d be remiss if I left my favorite restaurant, Mondongo’s, off the list. I grew up going to this restaurant, and the food transports me back to my childhood instantly. Anything on the menu is sure to delight, but you have to make sure to have an order of empanadas to begin your meal.

Visit: The Kampong is a tiny, but mighty botanical garden. It is a beautiful sanctuary of tropical plants in the bustling city. If you’re into fruiting plants from all over the world and want a precious view of Biscayne Bay after a yoga session, nature class, or easy walk – this place is for you!

Hang out: Pack a picnic and visit Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park first thing in the morning. The key to enjoying this location to its fullest is to arrive early! To me, this park has it all: beach access, nature trails, the historic lighthouse and more.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My shoutout is dedicated to the educators who guided me from elementary school through grad school. My mentors took the time to get to know my interests and advocate for my participation in opportunities that provided me with the experience I needed. One of my earliest memories with plants and the environment is rooted in my elementary school’s science club. In fifth grade, I had the opportunity to work on our school’s first garden. Growing up in suburban Miami, I had never gotten my hands in the soil so intensely, and that feeling – as well as the smell of mulch – will forever be in my core memories. That experience was so pivotal in my personal and professional development that it inspired the creation of my environmental education business – Teachings by Tatiana.

Website: https://www.teachingsbytatiana.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/teachingsbytatiana/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tatianaccastro/

Image Credits
Daniela Menendez