Meet Neti Hamilton | Neti Hamilton || Kemetic Houseplant Specialist & Environmental Health Advocate

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

Hi Neti, what habits do you feel helped you succeed?
Being an eldest daughter, I’m a bit of a fixer. I’m extremely intuitive and have a high sense of determination once I begin working on something. I can’t usually stop until its complete. This can sometimes be a bit frustrating but in terms of running a business, it’s definitely the habit that makes me so successful. This habit is inherent to me and it makes me extremely dedicated and goal-oriented. I enjoy understanding and fixing problems. And when you’re running a small business, you get a lot of those. My capacity and desire to tackle those head on does get overwhelming but for the most part, I am fulfilling a part of me by being able to consistently problem solve for something I care so much about.

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.
People say life is what happens when you’re making other plans. And I agree, wholeheartedly. I’m currently a fellow with the CDC and about to complete a master’s degree in Public Health. My resume is extensive in improving health outcomes, problem solving, and social advocacy. I thrive having to fix things. But when I started my business, this was perhaps the first time, I didn’t walk into something because it needed to be fixed. I could instead create. I started my business as a low priority obligation and watched it become a huge part of my life.

Starting this business was the easiest thing I’ve ever done. I’m used to having to overcome challenges that come with a traditional work and school environment like getting good grades, drafting research papers, planning social events, adapting to team dynamics, being a student. In my business, I am still that, but I also get to be a sole innovator, the final decision maker, a creative. I’ve spent the majority of my life being a student. It’s something I’m proud of and what has both led me to where I am now and I believe what sets me apart. It is what has prepared me to be able to listen to my heart dutifully. It is what gives me the discipline, the skills, and capacity needed to successfully run a business, be its spokesperson and make hard financial decisions while allowing my heart the space to create a business that feeds every part of my being.

What I want people to know about this business is that it is one of the first places that was able to have a place for all of me. The student, the leader, the creative, the innovator, the fixer, and the sage all get to co-exist in this business. This business has taught me the beauty in coexistence, balance, harmony, truth and order. I want people to understand that a lot of hard work and diligence got me to this point but so did an equal amount of trusting and honoring myself. I think that’s a hard lesson but its my favorite one.

I didn’t realize how multifaceted I was and how much I was stifling those parts of me because they weren’t what society clapped for, they weren’t the part of me that was yielding “tangible results.” It was still a part of me nonetheless. This was one of the biggest challenges I’ve needed to overcome in my business. Accepting that all of me is welcome and necessary in order to authentically, successfully and positively run my business is hard but I enjoy it nonetheless. Being able to admit that, publicly, gives me peace and reminds me I don’t need to be full speed ahead to be good at something.

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.
My itinerary is full of good food and great sights. We’d definitely eat at the best places, the Canton House or the North China Eatery has some of the best dumplings and dim sum I’ve ever had in my life. After that, I’d take them on a walk through Piedmont and show them around downtown. The next day, I’d probably take them hiking or for a nice nature walk, on the Beltline or to Amicolla falls or to Stone Mountain, depending on their preference. To begin the evening, we’d start at the Skyline and Bar Vegan so they could get a taste of the tourist life. Then, I’d take them to Peacock, the dance hall, or to the Starlight Drive In Movie Theatres, if they’re wanting a more relaxed vibe. The next day, I’d walk them down to Honey Pot in Little Five Points and stop at Sevananda for some fresh soap they could take home with them. For lunch, we’d hit up Tassili’s and I’d stop by the Habesha Community garden or to Nourish Botanica’s plant shop so they could meet my fellow plant people. Depending on their preference, the next day, I’d take them to the High or to the MLK museum or aquarium and finish with lunch on the patio of El Ponce or Buenas Vidas. We’d walk through the Freedom Farmer’s market in the mornings for fresh fruits and I’d try to see if there was any events or maker’s markets going on that we could pop up at.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I want to credit my love for mother earth to the men in my life.

My dad, Anthoni, my Uncle Pat and my Grandpa John, God rest his soul, cultivated my joy for the outdoors and my environment since I was a little girl. I wouldn’t have the affinity, the patience, and the green hand if it weren’t for them. I am thankful that within all the lessons and memories they handed me throughout my life, they always considered and often prioritized the environment around me while doing it. It’s made me the woman I am today. Thank you, Dad, Thank you, Uncle Pat. Thank you, Grandpa. I love you.

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Image Credits
Natalie Hamilton