We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Samantha Brooks a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Samantha, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. How did you come up with the idea for your business?

Growing up in Los Angeles, I witnessed firsthand how modern systems can strain the human spirit and create disconnect, especially in areas with limited access to fresh food and resources. This longing for a more nourishing, connected way of life led me to travel extensively through South and Central America, Europe, and Australia. It was in Guatemala that I discovered permaculture, and it felt like a homecoming. The principles resonated deeply with me, offering a holistic approach to healing both the earth and our communities.

As I grew older and started a family, I realized that I wanted to blend my passion for education and nature with a sustainable lifestyle. This led to the creation of Little Buds Nature Club and Teach Permaculture, both aimed at nurturing a deeper bond between people and the planet. It’s not just about teaching permaculture; it’s about offering a pathway to healing and resilience, both for our families and for the world.

In essence, the logic behind this endeavor is rooted in a genuine need for sustainable living and community healing. It’s about empowering families to reconnect with nature and to cultivate resilience and self-sufficiency. This approach is what excites me the most and keeps me driven every day.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

My journey into permaculture began in Los Angeles, where I experienced firsthand the challenges of modern systems and the impact on communities. Growing up in a food desert and witnessing systemic challenges inspired me to seek a more nourishing, connected way of life. This quest led me to travel extensively, from South and Central America to Europe and Australia, where I discovered permaculture in Guatemala. It was truly a homecoming for me, and it ignited my lifelong commitment to blending sustainable living with education.

Today, my work comes to life through two main ventures. The Children’s Guide to Permaculture is a seasonal activity series designed for families and educators. It offers step-by-step, nature-inspired activities that help build ecological literacy in children and families. I believe that children will only protect what they love, and they will only love what they know. By fostering these deep connections with nature, we inspire a lifelong commitment to stewardship.

If you’re a parent, educator, or caregiver passionate about nurturing young minds and building meaningful, global communities, our Children’s Guide to Permaculture is a must-have. And with the BLOSSOM caregiver course, you’ll join a vibrant community of like-minded individuals, with ongoing support and shared growth every step of the way.

In addition, I’m excited to soon launch the BLOSSOM caregiver course—a transformative eight-week journey for caregivers and educators. This program focuses on nurturing the inner child, helping families align in purpose and clarity. I’ve found that when caregivers are connected and aligned, it creates a more profound and harmonious learning experience for children.

Additionally, TeachPermaculture.org is our sister project, dedicated to showcasing eco-friendly initiatives from around the globe. It’s a platform for sharing skills, inspiring sustainable practices, and normalizing eco-friendly solutions, from natural building to holistic wellness.

In everything I do, my goal is to foster a deeper connection between people and the planet, inspiring a regenerative and sustainable future.

Can you tell us the story behind how you met your business partner?

My husband and business partner and I first crossed paths while working in the renewable energy sector, specifically in solar panel sales. From the very beginning, we connected over our shared values and passion for making a positive impact. As we started our family, we decided to cut out the middlemen and focus directly on the meaningful impact we could create together.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

As a business owner, one of the biggest lessons I had to unlearn was my subconscious association of financial success with being unethical. I once believed that wealth meant compromising my values. However, I’ve come to realize that true abundance is a natural outcome of aligning with authenticity. When we stay true to ourselves, we attract the resources needed to positively impact our communities and the planet. Now, I’m committed to reinvesting in projects and people that nurture both humanity and the Earth for future generations.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.littlebudsnatureclub.org/ ; https://teachpermaculture.org/
• Instagram: @littlebudsnatureclub @teachpermaculture
• Facebook: @littlebudsnatureclub
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@TeachPermaculture-s5j

Image Credits

Samantha Brooks, Taje Brooks, Jonathan Jones