Meet the Maker: Q + A with Poppy and Finch

We’re so excited to announce our DIY Workshop with Portland based botanical studio Poppy & Finch! This one day only event on Saturday, June 5th is an amazing opportunity to connect with Weina Dinata, the talented female founder & native plant advocate behind the brand.

LEARN MORE ABOUT WEINA, HER MULTI-TALENTS AND HER PASSION FOR NATIVE PLANTS…

For our readers that don’t know about Poppy & Finch, tell us a bit about yourself and your work.

My name is Weina Dinata. I was born and raised in Jakarta, Indonesia. I came to the US and got a Bachelor of Fine Arts in graphic design specializing in branding and packaging from Academy of Art College and University of San Francisco. I studied Flower Arrangement from a prestigious teacher in Jakarta and went to music school focusing on classical piano.

Poppy & Finch is a botanical design studio inspired by the beauty, versatility and the crucial role of our naturally occurring native plants for our habitat. We help people to connect with nature in a deeper, meaningful and ecological way through our one-of-a-kind up-cycled table-top gardens, wall-mounted or hanging gardens, educational gifts, workshops and gardening consultation. 

I am also launching my mobile business in the summer to support my mission connecting and educating people on native plants in different communities, events, and schools.

How did the idea for Poppy & Finch get started? How did you bring it from dream to reality?

The idea of Poppy & Finch started out of my needs to attract birds and beneficial insects into my garden. I did a lot of research and it led me to native plants and how crucial they are to the existence of our ecosystem. I fell in love with native plants and started practicing ecological gardening to help our habitat. I was committed to share my knowledge about native plants and my design aesthetics to be the hub and resources for people who want to connect and surround themselves with meaningful beauties.

I made my dream into reality by starting with a lot of outreach programs or different venues educating people from different walks of life about the importance of native plants for our habitat and showcasing the beauty and versatility of native plants through my botanical creations.

Your favorite thing about the work that you do?

My favorite thing about the work that I do is to get the chance to connect people with nature in a deeper and meaningful way. My work gives me purpose to help our habitat in a more approachable and proactive way from our own home.

I love working with native plants because they teach me to love and respect what we inherited unconditionally, which is translated to loving and respecting myself the way I am. Last but not least, working with nature is very grounding, refreshing and humbling.

What did you do before Poppy & Finch came to be?

I worked in graphic design studios for 15 years focusing mostly on branding and food packaging design and simultaneously, volunteered in non-profit organizations around sustainability. So, I guess the combination of my background and passion for sustainability culminated in Poppy & Finch. I also did back-up singing for a blues/rock singer/songwriter.

What advice do you have for new entrepreneurs who want to start their business?

Mistakes are your best friend.  Start somewhere, don’t wait until it’s perfect. I know this sounds cliche but follow your heart, do what you love and question your why’s. Never compare yourself to anyone and to what appears on social media. Believe in yourself, dig deep, and find your purpose and values.

Describe an “aha moment” that helped you grow as a business owner?

My aha moment is when I realize that there’s no arrival, everything is evolving and you’re the boss of yourself so you have all the choices in the world on what to choose to grow as a business owner even as an individual. Being a business owner is my own therapy process to becoming a better version of yourself.

Your favorite “get sh*t done” song?

I love old school stuff like Debbie Gibson, Tiffany, Belinda Carlile, etc. I also love singing Indonesian songs from when I was growing up while I am creating my moss balls and table-top gardens. 

Your dream collaboration or partnership?

I want to be the the Martha Steward of outdoor lifestyle! Working together with Patagonia because I love their company’s culture and their commitment to our environment. Also, as much as I am afraid of public speaking, I’d love to be part of TED (talk) about what I do sharing my journey as an entrepreneur to inspire people (especially older people because I didn’t start my business until when I was in my 40’s) who wanted to start their own business and sharing my passion of the beauty, versatility and crucial role of native plants for our habitat. 

How can people connect with you? 

You can connect with me via email: weina@poppyandfinch.com. You’re also invited to visit my educational habitat garden and botanical studio in NE Portland.