Overview:

Hi! My name is Summer Rayne Oakes and I'm an environmental scientist and entomologist by training and have done quite a bit of work in the field—from reclaiming mine sites to working in agroforestry. Sometimes it's challenging to communicate how these efforts impact us, so in 2005 I moved to Brooklyn to explore how I could apply my environmental knowledge to industries that noticeably impact our everyday lives—from what we wear to what we eat.

Growing up in the country, I had never imagined myself living in the city for so long. One way I have felt at "home" in the city has been by bringing and caring for plants indoors. I think a lot of people are like me—rural transplants in an urban environment, seeking a way to live more sustainably and in sync with nature. Even for those of us who have never stepped barefoot on a blade of grass, there's something inherently in us that is connected to nature—on a much deeper, biological level. 

In 2016 my home went viral due to the amount of plants I have (I grow ~700 plants indoors!) This spawned much curiosity, excitement, questions and intrigue, so that's how How to Make a Plant Love You: Houseplant Masterclass was born! This is a way for newbie plant lovers and well-seasoned plantaholics get to know more about plants, demystify plant care, and create the indoor jungle of their dreams. I would like to see all of us be able to have a closer relationship with nature—both indoors and out—and if we can do that through learning to think like a plant, then my mission will feel complete! 

About the Campaign

Some of what this course will cover includes: 

You can also plan on having beautiful imagery, illustrations and animated visuals to help you not only understand plant care—but help you think more like a plant!

What We Need & What You Get:

We already raised the basic funding to pay our artists, illustrators, editors and videographers to help complete the course, but I'd love to raise the rest of the funds to meet some of our stretch goals to take the online experience offline. Some of these include

• Producing How to Make a Plant Love You tours and in-person workshops across various cities—connecting with plant friends in real life (#PlantFriendsIRL); 
• Creating a hardcover book
• Donating 500 copies of the book to under-served schools and libraries; 
• Creating and performing immersive experiences across cities, and 
• Putting How To Make a Plant Love You: Houseplant Masterclass principles to work by helping refurbish and improve three community gardens in Brooklyn, NY.

We'd love your help in achieving these goals! 

You'll be able to access some awesome perks including: 

Risks & Challenges:

Risks for the project are low. I have quite a lot of experience in this field, having produced multiple videos for the past 10 years, including producing and editing weekly online videos for my show Plant One On Me on YouTube, online workshops for my other venture: www.sugardetox.me, several books, and a myriad of events. 

I also have an incredible network of trustworthy, talented artists and designers that I've been working with for the past decade who are ready and willing to contribute to this initiative.

To further minimize risks, I started working on this project last year, researching, writing, and planning.

Other Ways You Can Support:

If you cannot give or support the campaign financially, then I encourage you to follow along and to share too!