Meet Yamileth Garcia | Journalist, marketing executive and owner of Kokedamas by Yamileka

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

Hi Yamileth, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
Kokedamas by Yamileka started as a hobby during the covid-19 pandemic. After practicing the technique with most of the plants in my home, curiosity reached my group of friends who, little by little, began to ask if I would be willing to sell them. “They are a very unique and original gift” they said. Little by little, the homemade sale gave way to a stall in the municipal market close to home and now we are starting with virtual courses and creating special packages for birthday-style celebrations, etc. It has been a slow but very enriching path to start this kokes mini business.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
The birth of Kokedamas by Yamileka I must say that it surprised me in many ways. Originally it was a hobby that allowed me to face quarantine during the pandemic, while relaxing by being in direct contact with the earth, bushes, fertilizer and water. Then, due to the insistence of my family and friends, it became a small venture in which many of my closest friends participated. Not only helping me in the preparation of kokes for special events but also in the word-of-mouth promotion of my business in spaces outside my daily reality. Each event where the Kokes have participated has been a learning experience because, from the beginning to the end of the assembly, the objectives and audiences have been very diverse. This venture has taught me that although it is very challenging to carry out a new business in a city as highly touristic as Miami, the clients reached are very loyal and always have a suggestion or idea that helps the growth of Kokedamas by Yamileka. Starting a business requires a lot of patience, availability of time and money, but above all, humility to understand that learning abounds along the way… from financial matters to dealing with clients. Each koke sold (or almost sold) requires a very enriching personal approach. Learning that sometimes someone who doesn’t buy a koke can become a great volunteer ambassador for my brand has been one of my greatest triumphs. On Instagram, Kokedamas’ followers are less than 400 people but they are intensely active and that keeps the spirit of my entrepreneurship alive. A loyal audience, in love with the world of nature and who values ​​their personal time enough to get their hands dirty with dirt while they smile caring for the kokes.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Definitely the beach, from Collins and 52nd in Miami Beach to Hollywood Beach, are always my first option for my visiting family and friends. If you are an outdoors person, Oletta Park for kayaking would be in my Top 5. Also the gardens of the Morikami Museum and the Fairchild Tropical are some of the most wonderful green spaces in South Florida. 8th Street, a classic space of the local Cuban community, is always worth walking. If you are fans of any sport, a Miami Heat game is a tremendous option to share with locals in a unique and very energetic show. Finally, the PAMM museum offers not only an incredible view of the Port of Miami but the possibility of seeing an interesting collection of art in the heart of Miami

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Many people, institutions and even books have supported the birth and development of Kokedamas by Yamileka. I first learned the technique in a workshop held at the Morikami museum in Delrey Beach (Florida). Since then, December 2019, I have not stopped practicing with this beautiful ecological alternative to take care of my plants. Thanks to Venprendedoras and the Surfside Farmers Market, Kokedamas by Yamileka was able to participate in several bazaars and Sunday events, which allowed them to promote the brand and inform about the still little-known technique. Word of mouth marketing from family and friends has been a great way to promote kokes within and outside of my primary circle of family, friends and work. Finally, many books dedicated to technology and female entrepreneurship have also been a source of inspiration and support.

Instagram: @kokedamasbyyamileka

Image Credits
@Kokedamasbyyamileka