IN SEARCH OF OUR GARDEN
Reconnecting and restoring
Inspired by the book In Search of Our Mothers Gardens by Alice Walker
In Search of Our Garden was birthed during a very self-reflective growth journey to discover the woman I have always dreamed of becoming. I knew there was a need to redefine modern living but also root myself in the traditions of the woman before me and their ways. Those ways gave life and a new meaning to what it means to live creatively and well.
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The women I speak of like my mother, grandmother, and great-grandmothers inspired me to be creative, to inject beauty into everything my hands and heart touched, and to be resourceful and use things like flowers and herbs to enhance my health and beauty. They inspired me to sew as a medium of creative expression. As an evolved woman, I have crafted their ways into a lifestyle that will inspire other women who look like me to reconnect and restore to the continuous search of our own garden.
DETOXIFYING HERBAL FACIAL STEAM
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The Sun-Smart Collection
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Detoxifying Herbal Facial Steam
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How to make an Herbal Infusion
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Sep 2020
Land Beautification & Community Centered Housing
DEMOLITON OF BIG MAMA'S
Excitedly ready to move forward with the rebuilding process, the the beginning of the renovation process took a turn. Along with high hopes and dreams of restoring Big Mama's, disappointment awaited. The home built in the early 1900s had infrastructure and construction features that would not pass the current code.
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Emotions were high, but Andrea Fenise knew the house had to be demolished in order to make room for a more sustainable and vibrant community. Behind the layers of old rotted wood lied delicate wallpaper and family treasures she now holds on to forever.
May 2020
Land Beautification & Community Centered Housing
PURCHASED BIG MAMA'S HOUSE
This project was inspired by Andrea Fenise’s spiritual dream, where she was led to purchase her great-grandmother’s home. Eunice Alma Harris Malone, affectionately called Big Mama by family, was a pillar in the community as the neighborhood school teacher during segregation but she also owned several properties during the Jim Crow South era. By rebuilding this home, she hopes to restore the community’s pride and create a space for learning and growth.
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Big Mama's home was purchased back from the Shelby County Land Bank after being vacant for over 10 years. The deed had only been transferred once by her grandfather to the Cox family of Hyde Park.
Apr 2023
Land Beautification & Community Centered Housing
the legacy garden
Proudly holding deeds and seeds in her hand Andrea Fenise decided to plant a legacy garden to help raise the funds to build a new community center home on Big Mama's land.
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The plan is to cultivate Big Mama’s land as the home of one of many land beautification projects that will beautify vacant lots and service the In Search of Our Garden Apothecary.
A Closer look into our growth
THROUGH THE SEASONS
Seeds to Blossoms
DEVELOPING A POCKET PARK
After seeing the need for green spaces in the neighborhood she purchased another lot and started In Search of Our Garden.
The purchase of this vacant lot bloomed into what In Search of Our Garden now. We have a vision to empower community members to work together to create more green spaces and infrastructure that makes a social impact.
In Search of Our Garden is focused on holistic real estate development where wellness and lifestyle are at the forefront. Our goal is to create sustainable, livable, and vibrant communities that promote the health, well-being, and prosperity of those who live there.
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We are passionate about creating spaces that are both aesthetically pleasing and environmentally conscious. We believe that everyone should have access to a safe and healthy place to call home. We strive to create communities that foster collaboration, creativity, and a sense of belonging.
Our Products
The APOTHECARY
We use sustainably grown organic herbs from our local herbal farm. We are passionate about improving the quality of life in our communities by connecting the healing of plants to the healing of people.
Get in Touch
WRITE US A NOTE
In Search of Our Garden is focused on holistic community and real estate development where wellness and lifestyle are at the forefront. Our goal is to create sustainable, livable, and vibrant communities that promote the health, well-being, and prosperity of those who live there.
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We love connecting with community minded people. If you would like to get involved, work with us, have a community issue, or come sit in the garden- write us a note.