Who is the Glam Gardener?

Howdy, I'm Aly! Some call me the Glam Gardener. 😉 I run Glam Gardener NYC. I'm an environmental educator, foraging enthusiast, and artisan whose mission is to get others psyched about the natural world.

My name is Aly and I’m the gardener behind Glam Gardener NYC!

I’m a born-and-raised New Yorker from the forgotten borough of Staten Island (or as we call it: Shaolin)! I’ve always loved nature, climbing trees, frolicking in the forest, and stuff like that.

I grew up exploring the Staten Island Greenbelt—2,800-acres of mature forests, wetlands, meadows that were saved by brave environmentalists that came before me. Having this wild greenspace to explore as a kid is where my love for the planet is rooted. It's still one of my favorite places to explore today.

One way or another, my upbringing brought me to study at the School of Sustainability at Arizona State University, the first school for sustainability in the country.

There, I acquired my Bachelor’s degree in Sustainability, Energy, Materials, and Technology with a minor in Business. Then I got my Master’s degree in Sustainability Solutions—a project management focused degree.

I studied the environment, society, and the economy, as well as some of the intricacies we find at the intersection of these 3 massive concepts. Some of these topics include climate, renewable energy, environmental policy, and sustainable food systems.

But here's what I think. No one needs an advanced degree to get connected with nature.

It is simply my love for the outdoors, curiosity about wild plants, and my desire to build a healthy body as naturally as possible, that guides me everyday. If we have to put labels on it, I’d say that I’m a wild crafting, forest foraging, urban gardening human that is hungry for exploration.

I try to combine my academic background with my childlike curiosity as I build this small business. It has truly been a journey filled with fortune, surprises, and lots of love. I'm grateful for this experience everyday. Especially considering that I never intended to build a business!

Glam Gardener was a hobby that started with sharing pictures of my garden on social media. I shared tips, plant remedies, and wildcrafted recipes, which turned into educational workshops, community partnerships, and powerful products.

My goal has always been to create a sustainable life for myself filled with health and happiness, and spread that goodness onto others through thoughtful products, intentional services, and meaningful connections.

Sometimes I can't believe this little dream turned into something so much more. I'm so grateful for it all.

Whew! Getting a little emotional there!

So, I told you a little bit about me, now I want to hear about you. If you'd like to connect, check out the links below to connect on social media.

If you're not on socials, I'm always a message away.

Thank you for being here, reading a little bit about my origin story, and I'm so happy to serve you! Peace out, Glam Fam!

With love,
Aly, The Glam Gardener