Meet Molly Nadolski | Research Scientist & Plant Crafter

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

Hi Molly, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I grew up with a family of plant-lovers and gardeners, I also grew up living off of second-hand items and thrifting since my family didn’t have much. The past few years I started merging those two parts of my upbringing together, and turning vintage and antique items into planters. Taking items that have been tossed or forgotten about, or wouldn’t normally be used as a planter is a unique challenge at times, but exceptionally fun to turn it into something new. I love giving things a second life. There is something special and beautiful in that (sustainable as well). It is something that has come naturally to me, but I didn’t really give much thought into it as a business venture, until others started to notice. At the same time, I’ve never really been one to put myself out there, so starting my own business felt incredibly vulnerable as a venture, and risky as well. Thankfully, the risk in this is something that is more manageable in its current form so that it was easier to justify, but it still involves believing in yourself and your vision and hoping that others appreciate it as much as you do. So I suddenly took the jump the past couple years and started sharing this passion with others and dove more deeply into Roots in Relics.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My journey has taken me all around the world. I worked in Brussels, Belgium doing consulting work for a few years before life and profession brought me to Atlanta. My background is in policy and International Affairs, mostly focusing on issues related to Security and Defense. Today, I do research and complex problem solving/systems thinking, and teach a critical thinking course as well at a local university. I have a tendency to just dive right into things full throttle and pave my own road, like when I moved to Europe, I thought “why not? If not now, when?”, and that is a mantra I have tended to follow, Moving abroad was one of the best decisions I made. The experience, the freedom, and connections/friendships I made while living there will be life-long. In doing that, I shifted my career focus to where I am now, and was able to blend different worlds together – taking the big picture focus that is International Affairs/Foreign Affairs, to Systems Thinking and Problem Solving. In doing this, we look at complex socio-political issues and/or socio-technical issues, and come up with systemic change strategies. It requires big-picture thinking and creativity. When I came back to the USA, I faced challenges in working in highly male-dominated groups and often-times being the only non-technical person working in projects and teams. Looking back, at times I wish I would’ve just been more confident in my voice and capabilities. There is power in being the differentiator, but it took me a long time to appreciate that and feel confident in that. These experiences have given me a big appreciation with starting my own company on the side with Roots in Relics, I have ownership over what I am doing. It’s my own voice and creative outlet.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
The beauty of Atlanta is that there is always something going on, so much to do and see, and something different every direction you go – mountains, swamps, lakes, canyons, beaches….literally everything! But if my bestie came to town, we would check out some local hiking spots (Roswell Mill, Arabia Mountain), Brunch at Lips, Dinner at Argosy, maybe catch a show at the Earl and finish the night at Ormsby’s. The next day I would venture out and take them to Howard Finster’s Paradise Garden for something super unique and beautiful.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?

Roots in Relics is all about roots, so it definitely wouldn’t be here without those that came before me. I have such distinct memories of my mom in her dress and heels gardening outside right before we’d run off to church. She had a lot of pride in our yard and garden. She passed away a couple years ago, but I’m sure she would have loved this venture. Her sister as well (my Aunt Pat), also had such an impressive collection of houseplants and massive outdoor garden, and any person that came to her house would get the tour of her garden which she carefully curated. Together, they could spend all day visiting gardens and thrifting, and I think that imprinted me a lot growing up. My dad was also always my biggest cheerleader, he’s been battling Alzheimer’s/Dementia the past 10 years, so I donate a portion of the Roots in Relics proceeds to the Alzheimer’s Association to honor him.

Instagram: Roots in Relics