Mi Jardín: Intro
This is the beginning of the story of Mi Jardín—an organic wellness brand crafted deep in Ecuador’s Andes. It’s a journey about designing authentically, reconnecting with nature, and creating a product with real soul.
WHERE NATURE MEETS DESIGN
When the opportunity arose to help build a wellness brand from scratch, deep in the lush Andes mountains of Ecuador, I knew it was a calling I couldn’t ignore. Mi Jardín isn’t just another wellness brand—it’s an honest reflection of a way of life: pure, sustainable, and beautifully human.
I partnered with Claire and Byron—two visionaries I met while fighting wildfires in Vilcabamba—to craft an identity rooted in authenticity. Mi Jardín’s products—organic probiotic drinks, herbal blends, and pure body care—are grown and harvested from their own land, untouched and completely off-grid. Even the water is sourced directly from a pristine waterfall cascading below the farm. This is true sustainability in practice, not just theory.
PHASE 1: DESIGNING FROM WITHIN THE PRODUCT ECOSYSTEM
We began with powerful conversations about what Mi Jardín would stand for. At its heart was a simple yet profound vision from Claire:
“I want people to nourish themselves with pure, living ingredients—products that feel like a gift through nature.”
The branding strategy was anchored by values Claire and Byron embodied:
Purity & Quality: Ingredients untouched and pristine.
Holistic Well-Being: Products promoting longevity and vitality.
Sustainability & Responsibility: Ethical sourcing and minimal impact.
Cultural Connection: Rooted in Ecuador’s rich heritage.
These values guided us through the iterative process, methodically narrowing down to the one most authentically representing the spirit of Mi Jardín.
PHASE 2: SHAPING THE VISUAL IDENTITY
Immersed in Mi Jardín’s natural sanctuary, every label, color choice, and font had to feel intimately connected to the land itself.
During the design direction phase, I pulled together a set of fast, exploratory mockups—not polished pieces, but visual conversation starters. Each one hinted at a distinct tone, pulling from the brand’s values but stretching them in different directions. For this phase, the goal wasn’t perfection, it was clarity. These sketches helped Claire step into the brand’s potential—what it could look like, how it could feel—and sparked some important decisions about the identity she truly resonated with.
After refining and listening closely to feedback, we landed on a design that echoed traditional artisan craftsmanship. Inspired by old-world apothecaries, the final direction embodies natural remedies and timeless aesthetics with a contemporary touch.
DESIGN CHALLENGES & REALITIES
Living and working off-grid wasn’t without challenges. I wrestled with drone connections, battled bug bites from cacao harvesting in Palanda, navigated unpredictable weather during supply trips, snake bites, and internet outages (at the time, my only means of communication). Yet, each obstacle brought a deeper understanding of resilience, authenticity, and resourcefulness—qualities embedded now in Mi Jardín’s very DNA.
Starlink Installation.
Design sessions with Claire became more than meetings—they were inspired conversations overlooking mountains, crafting a brand together from a place of genuine intention. I learned to slow down, find creativity in quiet moments, and allow nature itself to inspire the designs.
WHY MI JARDÍN MATTERS
Choosing Mi Jardín is a statement—a conscious vote for products that honor health, nature, and community. In a world overwhelmed with choices, this brand represents a deeper truth: that real wellness comes from integrity, intention, and genuine connection.
Mi Jardín is also about taking ownership of our choices, recognizing that what we consume impacts us, our community, and the planet. It's about nourishing ourselves deeply, authentically, sustainably—without compromise.
Every bottle is a story—crafted by hands, born from pure ingredients grown right here, in an untouched paradise. Mi Jardín is more than a brand—it’s a movement toward mindful living, inspiring us to slow down, reconnect, and choose consciously, every single day.
Before (right) & after (left).
Looking Ahead
This journey isn't just about designing beautiful labels or powerful content—it’s about designing the life I believe in. It’s about stepping into uncertainty, growing from every experience, and crafting stories that inspire others to take ownership of their own paths, too.
We’re just getting started.
As we wrap up Phase 2, the branding and identity work, we’re about to dive into Phase 3: Brand Guidelines & Design Production. Here we'll craft detailed brand guidelines—clearly capturing the essence of Mi Jardín’s identity, values, and visual style—ensuring consistency across all future products and content.
Following that, we’ll move into Phase 4: Website + Merchandise, building the brand’s digital presence from scratch and extending its identity into thoughtfully designed merch. Lastly, Phase 5: Social Media Strategy + Marketing will amplify Mi Jardín’s authentic story, engaging a growing audience through strategic content, community connection, and perhaps even reaching out to influencers who share our values.
Each phase ahead deepens the impact, storytelling, and authenticity we’ve cultivated from the beginning—bringing Mi Jardín fully to life.
Also, check out Mi Jardín—a soulful brand I’m helping shape from the roots up, blending organic ingredients with a story that’s pure magic.