Last month we had the pleasure of meeting Kay Suppamas, Founder of Leafage at the beautiful Storey Club in Paddington. We caught up to find out about Kay's interactive, creative and engaging terrarium workshops around London.
Can you tell us a little about yourself and Leafage?
I started Leafage as a passion project alongside my day job in the ecommerce/digital design industry. I loved getting my creative friends on board to collaborate. I genuinely did not expect the project to grow into a real business. I built Leafage around the idea of helping people realise that their well-being is important. We run our workshops in Balham and all over London. We also run private and corporate workshops such as team building activities and wellness events.
What inspired you to set up Leafage and have you always had a passion for nature?
After a sudden loss of my father in 2016, who was my role model and inspiration, I discovered the power of nature therapy. It was my way of healing. From that, I wanted to create something that's meaningful to me that's also beneficial to others, that's where the Leafage journey began. One of my childhood memories was spending time nurturing our garden in Bangkok, Thailand, where I come from. I created signage plant care for my major project to help armature gardeners understand the basic needs of plants at the local markets. My love for nature and the urge to help people live a better life in my small way were there from a young age.
What creative process do you go through when making terrariums and where do you source your materials?
Elements such as shape, texture, space and colour play a big part when I create our terrariums. I enjoy finding new and unusual plants to work with when I work on launching Leafage's new collections. Our plants and moss come from New Covent Garden Flower Market.
Can you tell us more about the different terrarium workshops you offer?
Our most popular workshop is the Tropical enclosed terrariums which are self-sustained miniature gardens using tropical and humid loving plants. This is a perfect starting point if you struggle to keep houseplants alive. Our Succulent & Cactus workshops are open terrariums using plants that can thrive in warmer and drier climate. This Spring and Summer, we've just launched two new workshops; The Orchid Terrarium and Kokedama workshops! The orchid terrariums are timeless and sophisticated whilst the Kokedama (which means moss ball in Japanese) add a fun touch to your home interior.
Why do you think indoor gardening has had such a renaissance in recent years?
Most of us live a fast-paced lifestyle and we look for ways to live a more balanced life. When we make time to nurture our plants, it gives us the opportunity to take a break and live in the moment. We practice mindfulness without having to try too hard. Good bacteria in the soil from smelling, touching and doing gardening increases our Serotonin, the happy chemistry in our brain, which is why we often feel relaxed when we're in nature or are surrounded by plants. Houseplants are good looking and affordable. There are so many varieties to choose from based on your preferences and experiences - they're perfect for everybody!
What does a typical day look like for you?
No day is the same for me, however, I start my day with meditation and a morning planner where I set my mindset and intention for the day. I end the day writing my evening journal reflecting and rating on my performance. This may sound pretty geeky, but the goal isn't to be perfect, but it is to become more selfaware everyday about the habits that matter in helping me reach long-term success.
How do you make your clothes work for you and your busy lifestyle?
I only own clothes that I absolutely love. (I Marie Kondo'd my wardrobe twice!) Most of my outfits are minimal and it doesn't take long to mix and match them.
What are your go-to wardrobe staples?
White shirt and blue jeans - all year round. A warm winter gilet and suede black knee boots in the Winter.
And finally...
If I wasn't running Leafage... I would be running a beautiful boutique hotel and resort in the countryside.
The best thing about my job... Turning my imagination into reality.
My favourite plant... Calathea orbifolia.
A destination I'd love to visit... A road trip around Australia.
My ideal breakfast... A variety of delicious Thai dishes with plenty of salad and greens!
Words to live by... "It's in your moments of decision that your destiny is shaped" - Tony Robbins
My favourite London hangout... Petersham Nurseries in Richmond
 Embroidered Dress > |
 Cashmere Wide-sleeve Sweater > |
 Relaxed Linen Trousers > |
 Multi-hoop Earrings > |