Meet Christena Shreve Elza | Garden Designer, Writer, Yogi

We had the good fortune of connecting with Christena Shreve Elza and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Christena, what matters most to you?
One of the most important values that I have in my life, is determination, which is equal to never giving up on yourself. It is something that was inherent in my being and one that has resonated with me my entire life. It has been instrumental in my career and has allowed be to create the life that I now living, one which brings me pure happiness and joy. Determined to live my life the way that I want, has been instrumental in being the entrepreneur that I have became. Creating this amazing life and watching it unfold as I get older has been thrilling to experience.
I think determination and the strive to become successful in your own worth, is the most important thing we can do for ourselves. I have been determined my entire life and waking up everyday with an intense excitement for life, is essential to feeling the unlimited joy that happiness can bring.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am a plant artist. I am an artist of life and an avid writer, where I believe untold riches lie. I believe in creating the life that we want, by having untold determination to watch it unfold and holding onto that vision and never letting go. I love the creative opportunities I get by designing gardens and containers for my clients. There is truly nothing more exciting than to watch a collection of plants, along with boulders and all sorts of other gardening essentials get transformed into a beautiful garden, sometimes in just one day.
I have learned that you can’t give up. I have learned that you can’t give in to what others think you should be doing with your life. I have learned that the world is full of amazing people and together we can create magic in this world.
Finding your own way, finding your own path in life, but having amazing supportive people around you is essential, at least for me it is.
I think of myself as the director of my life. Who I am, What I do in my life and how I live is the most important aspect of my life. ..What do I want to create? This lifestyle of yoga, caring for the soul, lifting and supporting those around you, making surroundings beautiful, is so important in my life. It can give us a life perspective of grace and dignity, when we open ourselves to always changing. Always understanding the complexities of life and always remembering that no matter what we are experiencing we can always be kind. Always.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
First I would have an extensive dinner party at my house, invite friends over and sit around the fire pit and laugh and enjoy each other’s company. I love sharing my house with those I love, so hospitality is very important to me.
But for a super fun night out of dancing and laughter, I would take them to my dear friend’s speakeasy in Smyrna. Propaganda is a very cool and super artistic place to enjoy amazing design, incredible vibes and music. Heather is a very dear friend and her fiancé Mr. Wattson have excelled and superseded at creating an amazing music and dance venue, plus the drinks are great as well.
Perhaps a visit to the Atlanta Botanical Garden, maybe even catch a show at The Eastern which I’m pretty sure is my favorite music venue. And Ponce City Market and the Belt line are a must.
As for food, I love The Thai House in Roswell and the fried pickles at The Fickle Pickle are my favorite. They are the best. But seriously any restaurant that is vegan or has lots of vegan options will make me happy. That and Good Company.

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?
I am very lucky and have many wonderful people in my life that have supported and encouraged me get to where I am today, not only in my personal life but also in my career, It is hard to pick just one, so perhaps I feel the need to mention a few.
I have my own design company called The Good Earth Designs, however I also work for Twin Branch Nursery in Woodstock as a garden and container designer. I befriended the original owner, Tommy many years ago. He became an important mentor in my life and taught me so much. Of course we became great friends instantly and even though he is retired now, we are still friends. The nursery is now owned by two amazing guys, Chris Cash and Kevin Harike and I have been working and designing with them for almost 7 years.
We all are learning so much about running and operating their beautiful nursery and finding unique ways to make it grow. Not only are the owners amazing but our entire staff is like one large family. We mostly adore working together and even though the job is tough and dirty and demanding, it is also filled with beautiful plants & working outside with a awesome group of like-minded plant lovers is kinda priceless. Plus my son Ethan has been at the nursery for almost 4 years and to watch his love of plants and the nursery world blossom has been incredible to watch.
I do have to mention my dear friend and spiritual teacher, Chrys Kyng. We met many years ago and he was instrumental in helping me get through a very tough time in my life a few years ago, one in which I will be forever grateful for. I will be working as a facilitator and yoga teacher at his retreats starting next year, so looking forward to traveling the world and helping people heal and connect with themselves on a very deep and profound way. This will be an incredible healing and growth opportunity and one in which is desperately needed on this earth.
I am an avid reader and have an extensive library, so it would be hard to pick just one, but ‘The Untethered Soul’ by Michael Singer is amazing and surprising enough, ‘The Stories We Tell’ by Joanna Gaines was amazing. I definitely find her life and career to be admirable. Plus who wouldn’t want an amazing husband like Chip!

Website: wwwThe Good Earth Designs.com. wwwTwinbranchnursery.com

Instagram: Shreve1231, The Good Earth Designs

Facebook: The Good Earth Designs

Image Credits
Just Me