Among the many benefits of having plants in our homes, numerous studies relate these jewels of nature with the improvement of mood, the absorption of bad odors, the reduction of stress and, of course, with the improvement of air quality. Elena, the creator of Biznaga Atelier, adds another reason to dress our homes with plants and learn to take care of them: "taking care of your living beings also helps you to have awareness to take care of nature -the mountains, the beaches and even to reflect on how we move". And she is certainly right.
This statement gives us a glimpse, already at the beginning of our meeting, of Elena's sensitivity and the vocation that led her to create the Atelier: "Biznaga was founded with the illusion of sharing my passion for plants and the desire to spread awareness of environmental care". A statement of intent that prompted her to open a space where people meet who, in addition to their love for plants, share the desire to meet people, disconnect from routine and relax. In fact, many of her students agree: the hours of the course are times to be with oneself and with the group's companions; moments of quality time for their well-being while they have a cup of tea, chat and learn new things.
"As human beings, we belong to nature and, by instinct, we are drawn to it and seek that sense of well-being and connection."
At the Atelier, Elena offers courses in groups and private sessions in which she teaches not only what types of plants exist and how to care for them, but also how to integrate them into our lives and our homes to take advantage of all their healing potential, because this is not just about plants, it's also about people. To reach people, Elena tries to transmit her knowledge in a very pleasant way, inspired by the concept of biophilia. This theory argues that people are linked to nature and that this relationship is vital for our physical and psychological development. After all, as she assures us, "as human beings, we belong to nature and, by instinct, we feel attracted to it and seek that feeling of well-being and connection".
Before coming to Mallorca, Elena lived in Amsterdam. Trained in industrial design and graphic design, in the capital of the Netherlands she met many people who were self-taught or who had been trained in one field and worked in a different field they were passionate about. This fact inspired her to break with certain beliefs and get rid of the hierarchies that come with working in large corporations to bet on her freedom and a lifestyle in line with her way of seeing the world. "I wanted to get away from the screen, so I was doing research, met people and got really motivated."
In 2016, Elena moved to Mallorca. Here she met María -alma mater of Artisteo Taller- and the idea of what is now a reality began to take shape. Two years ago, in January 2020, both decided to share a creative space, a workshop that would house their proposals, but the pandemic paralyzed their plans and they did not open until the summer of that same year. At that time, it was complicated for the two projects to coexist at the same time due to capacity restrictions, but the illusion remained intact and they adapted. As Elena says, the reception was very special because, locked up at home, "we all began to connect more, both with the plants and with ourselves, and people came with great enthusiasm".
"We live in asphalt jungles and are very disconnected from nature."
In addition to the Tribu Botanica course and private sessions, Elena has incorporated a botanical interior design service to transform spaces, whether private homes, cafes, stores or offices. With this project, she researches the concept, designs the space and installs the plants, and even offers a maintenance service. This is a way to return to green and, above all, to reintegrate it into our daily lives because, as he says, "living in different cities, I realized that nature was always far away. We live in asphalt jungles and we are very disconnected from nature".
Biznaga and Artisteo, in addition to sharing premises, also have in common a certain need to create spaces for socializing, being with people and having a good time. An aspect they wish to explore in the future: "both María and I would like to open the space to colloquiums to share ideas and make other projects known. When you start a business, your social life is reduced, and we miss meeting people with whom to create links". This collaborative network is present in the DNA of Biznaga, which features pieces by ceramist Paparkone and a selection of essential oils by Joan Cavanes. "For me it is very important to review what we buy, to support local product and craftsmanship to enrich ties, culture, tradition. In fact, this topic gives rise to many conversations with the students."
Elena exudes this desire to reconnect with something essential that, at a frenetic pace of life, as a society, we have lost sight of: the present, nature, the impact of our actions on the environment and what we do at every moment. And although the road is riddled with ups and downs, she is clear: "if it's what motivates you, try it". And although her tone of voice is soft and calm, her message emanates strength because in this same path she has found the reward: "I feel more me since I've been doing this and that has an incredible value".
