Q&A with our Hot Gardening Author Speakers!
Get to know your RevelEleven speakers! We decided to ask our upcoming speakers of “Revel in Your Garden with Hot Gardening Authors” on Saturday, April 2nd at 9 a.m. PT some juicy questions to get excited for the event.
Teresa J. Speight is a garden writer and author of Black Flora, she also has a podcast called Cottage in the Court.
Cynthia Zamaria is a home + garden creative and author of House + Flower.
Jennifer O'Neal is a master gardener, author of Small Farm, Big Dreams and owner of PepperHarrow Farm, a 20 acre farm located in Central Iowa.
Robin Avni is the co-founder and creative director of Bloom Imprint Publishing Company.
What would you say to your 25-year-old self?
“I'd tell my 25 year old self not to be too hard on yourself and that things are going to all work themselves out. Take time to pursue more of the things in life that make you happy and bring you joy.” -Jennifer
“It only gets better.” - Cynthia
“Become an archeologist/botanist and don’t give up the dream of being outside in nature. Do not let being a girl deter you from doing what you love.” -Teri
What would you do if you knew you wouldn’t fail?
“I don’t believe we ever fail. We try, and we learn. Some things work, others don’t. The success is in the journey. I’m not sure exactly what I’d want to try next – I wouldn’t have thought I’d be writing a book – so who knows what tomorrow brings? If you open yourself up to opportunity, she comes in.” -Cynthia
“Open a flower shop/nursery in my community to replace the gun shop.” -Teri
“I would have become an architect.” -Robin
What's the most spontaneous thing you've done lately?
“The most spontaneous thing I've done within the last year was that I took a week off after my son graduated high school to take him on a trip abroad. It was pretty spontaneous and so much fun!” -Jennifer
“We recently welcomed an eight-week-old black lab puppy into our family. Maybe not the most spontaneous decision as we’ve been anticipating her arrival, but our little Ivy has filled our hearts and home with such joy it is the best thing we’ve done lately.” -Cynthia
“Booked a flight to Atlanta to attend the first Black Girl Florist Conference, and created my first Garden Experience of 2022 to the Buffalo Garden Walk.” -Teri
“Start a publishing company!” -Robin
What are you reading right now?
“Faerie Habitat – How to Attract Faeries to Your Garden by Alice Anne Calhoun.” -Teri
“Well, aside from the books by the women on this panel with me...I'm reading a biography of Edith Wharton. I'm fascinated by the Gilded Age...and have been for years. The parallels between the incredible wealth that was created by industrialization along with the building of the transcontinental railroad to connect the country.... and the staggering wealth created by the high-tech industry beginning in the 90s and the creation of the information highway that added a new level of connection are fascinating.” -Robin
What would the theme song be for the movie of your life?
“I'm not sure there's a theme song that would cover all of my life in its entirety, but we've been listening to the song 'Big Dreams' by The Score lately. Since our new book is called, Small Farm, Big Dreams, it's definitely been our banner tune for the last few months.” -Jennifer
“Living My Life Like It Is Golden by Mary J. Blige” -Teri
“It's a tie between: Our House by Graham Nash and Tapestry by Carole King
My life has been a tapestry of rich and royal hue,
An everlasting vision of the ever-changing view.
A wondrous woven magic in bits of blue and gold
A tapestry to feel and see, impossible to hold.” -Robin
What's your favorite place in the world and why?
“My most favorite place in the world is probably Northern England, especially the Peak District. I have no idea why, but I felt very at peace, and connected there. We enjoyed afternoons strolling the countryside, sitting down to enjoy a proper tea afterwards, and gathering in the local pubs in the evening for a meal and music. Bakewell Tarts were also a wonderful treat. It was the best time and I definitely want to go back to explore even more.” - Jennifer
“Being at home surrounded by my family and my flowers is my happiness. I love creating a beautiful place where life unfolds. The house is redecorated on repeat and the garden sways with the seasons, but the constant is the comfort that comes from a strong sense of place.” -Cynthia
“For those who really know me, this is a no brainer – PARIS. Why? I feel free there. I wander, feel safe, and love seeing the diversity in the human landscape as well as the gardens I visit there.” -Teri
“Anywhere with my husband.” -Robin