Natures Intelligence: Exploring Knowledge & Spirits
My first journey to Ecuador was to research the spiritual plant Guayusa, which became the key element of our energy drink at the time. Understanding its deep cultural significance - from dreams to health and social rituals - opened my eyes to the intricate relationship between nature, tradition, and community.
During this time, I connected with the Indigenous farmer association Winak, who quickly became friends and collaborators. We exchanged knowledge, and I worked alongside them to help gain access to the European trade market, ensuring their artisanal goods and agricultural products could reach a wider audience.
This experience pushed me to dive deeper, returning multiple times to explore not just plants, but the economic and cultural ecosystems of Indigenous communities. In 2024, through the Sympathya Research Project (funded by GIZ), I studied how local economies function with artisan goods and natural resources, working to develop sustainable business impact models with open-source education and shared materials.
These experiences now shape everything I do - integrating nature’s intelligence, Indigenous wisdom, and sustainable innovation into my work. It’s not just about working with nature, but learning from it.
