Jenni Rowe sums the essence when she says that, “Heartwood was created with the idea that small things count.”
“It almost goes without saying that at Heartwood, we always try to do the right thing for the environment. We’ve taken care to wrap our trees in compostable bags, derived from natural starches. Any paper we use is 100% recycled, and acid-free.
And our planters are made from invasive Port Jacksons, cut down and re-used by local entrepreneurs. Our hearts are hand carved and sanded by local entrepreneurs and use unwanted wood. Even our boxes are made from 100% recycled cardboard. It’s all part of our commitment to the sustainability of our business and the preservation of the natural environment.
Heartwood works with Right Mukore, an amazing Sculptor at Montebello in Newlands, Cape Town. He sculpts from wood and stone and creates truly beautiful pieces of art. He has created our hearts and wooden figurines. They are carved from unwanted Camphor and Jacaranda trees – and he is teaching students to learn his craft.”
Whichever way you choose to use them, by giving us Heartwood trees, Jenni Rowe has given us the perfect gift.
Let’s get to know Jenni Rowe a little better!
Please tell us the story of how Heartwood came into existence.
I founded Heartwood in 2009 as part of my journey to bring green into my family and my business – including my guesthouse in Cape Town. From the trees that are sold, through to the paper on which the tags are printed, and to the Port Jackson planters, everything is done with the environment and the future in mind. It’s part of Heartwood’s commitment to sustainability and the preservation of the natural environment.
If you had a theme song, what would it be?
“Where is the Love” Black Eyed Peas
What is the biggest risk you’ve ever taken?
Starting our Guest House
If Mars was liveable, would you accept a one way ticket there?
No way!
If you were given one thousand acres of land what would you do with it?
Set up a Community of friends, living separately, but together and giving more rescue dogs a home and space to live happily!
Are you more of a hunter or a gatherer?
Gatherer
How many pairs of shoes do you own?
Not enough!
If we came to your house for dinner, what would you prepare for us?
Curry or a pasta … but it’s more about the friends than the food …
How would people communicate in a perfect world?
Face to face.
When you have 30 minutes of free time – how do you pass it?
Coffee with a friend.
If you woke up to 300 unread emails, how would you prioritise which ones to answer?
Friends first, then business
Where do you go and what do you do to find peace and recharge?
I run in the mountains … it is my soul place!
If you could write one new law that everybody had to obey, what would it be?
Learn from those that do a good job; don’t pull someone down to elevate yourself.
What, if anything, have you ever re-gifted?
Body creams and soap.
What is the most interesting thing you have seen or read this week?
Master KG and the Jerusalema Dance craze. I love dancing and this is so awesome to see …
What skill or craft would you like to master?
Playing the guitar!
What would you say are some small steps that people can take to improve their relationship to the environment?
Firstly get out into the environment … see it, feel it, experience nature … then respect it and realise your impact on it! Plant a tree with your own hands … see it root and grow and feel the joy it brings. Clean up the spaces around you and you will see the impact of what we use and how it is discarded. Give your time to make a better world for our children.
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You will find Heartwood Trees and other businesses making a difference in our Green Directory . If your business is eco-friendly – LIST IT HERE
