Meet Cynthia Chamberlin | Plant Lady

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

Hi Cynthia, every day, we about how much execution matters, but we think ideas matter as well. How did you come up with the idea for your business?
I was a fine arts photography major in need of a creative outlet, and income. I spent years after graduating from college working for attorneys in their accounting departments. At the time it seemed like a waste of talents, but in reality I was learning important skills for having my own business one day. After the birth of my youngest I stopped working full time to be home with my kids. Several years later I was asked to purchase, and maintain plants for an office in Scripps Ranch. After getting a business license, and deciding on a name Stemtations San Diego started evolving from my knowledge of plants, flowers, and design.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
In whatever medium I work in my biggest strength is a bold use of color. I love a big pop of pigment in photography, plants, flowers, etc. It’s not always appreciated in the current Boho trend, but you have to be true to yourself as an artist. I try not to chase after others with my style, but I love to see what’s out there to draw inspiration from. I can waste quite a bit of time going through other Instagram feeds. Art is such a personal form of expression, and you have to learn to develop a pretty thick skin to survive. It’s a daily struggle. You’re never going to please everybody. Find what you do well, and stick with it.

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.
Before COVID, Stemtations spent a lot of time at the local breweries doing workshops. Those are some of our favorite places to hang out. There would definitely be a visit to Eppig Brewing’s Waterfront Biergarten because they have some pretty sweet views, and planters to check out. I’m an avid hiker so a visit to our trails is a must. Only in San Diego can you hike awesome trails, and still enjoy the beauty of the ocean.

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?
Stemtations would not be here today sans the help, and encouragement of so many others. Without being actively involved in 4-H as a youth I don’t know that I would have learned floral design. It was something that interested me early on, but without getting a job in the industry it’s not something people sit down and teach you. I use this knowledge of design not only in floral work, but my plant work also.

Website: stemtationssandiego.com
Instagram: stemtations_san_diego
Facebook: @stemtations.sd