Growing a restorative community 🌱Jodianne Beckford, Noire Girls Plant

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TRANSCRIPT

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Bailey (00:00):

Welcome to get together. Woo. It's our show about ordinary people building extraordinary communities. I'm your host Bailey Richardson. I'm a partner at people in company and a co author of get together how to build a community with your people.

Marjorie (00:19):

And I'm Marjorie Anderson get together correspondent, founder of community by association and product manager for community at project management Institute

Bailey (00:29):

And each episode of this podcast, we interview everyday people who have built extraordinary communities about just how they did it. How did they get the first people to show up? How did they grow to hundreds, maybe even thousands more members today we're talking to Jody and Bedford founder of noir girls plant new. Our girls plants mission is to create a community of growers and aspects such as health prosperity and nature by providing resources that catered to healing and maintaining our mental health through the caretaking of plants. Marjorie. This is one of the three folks that you chose to interview on the podcast. So someone I know you are very passionate about. What's one thing that you learned from our conversation today with Jody Ann, what did you take away from it?

Marjorie (01:12):

The biggest thing I took away from the conversation with Jody Ann is that you only need to start in order to find your people and bring them together with their people and community isn't rocket science, but it takes passion and the desire to care for others to really create experiences that cultivate a sense of belonging. And Jodie Ann was looking for that in her own life. So she created it and it turns out that others were looking for it too. So I guess the big thing to remember is don't be afraid to start the community you're looking for. Yeah.

Bailey (01:46):

That really stood out to me from the conversation as well and how much courage Jody in showed to do that herself. So I can't wait to share that with everyone. You ready? Should we jump in?

Marjorie (01:57):

Let's do it. Thank you so much for joining us today. Jodie Ann is a pleasure to have you on the show today. I'm really looking forward to talking with you a little bit more about Nora girls' plant. Thank you so much, Roger. I'm so excited and honestly, thank you so much for inviting me on your show. I'm really, really excited. Awesome. So take us back to the moment you felt the pull to create the community for Nore girls plant. What was it that was going on for you that really pulled you or created a specific moment in time that really led you to feel like you needed to create this experience in this community? So it's so interesting that you call it a community in the sense of like, thinking of like when or why I wanted to do it, because for me, I didn't there wasn't my intention. I honestly just wanted to do something. That felt good. I want it to kind of feel again, I was in a really low, low

Jodianne (03:00):

Point in my life and I had just kind of discovered plants and how they were just making me feel good. They weren't necessarily like fixing me in a sense, but they were just something that was essentially just bringing me joy. So I wanted to see if there was an event. And this was last year, 2019 around like, September-ish I wanted to know if there's an event that talked about plans and your mental health, or just something where I could just commune with other men and women of color talking about plans. Cause I'm a nerd. So I went on event bright and I asked people and like, there wasn't anything that I could find. And then, so I asked a talk to a friend about it and she said, well, why don't you do an event? And I'm like, no. And then she was like, well, if you can't find one, just do it.

Jodianne (03:49):

You've done an event before. So I was like okay, but like, no one's going to come. Like I can't even find event that talks about this. So like who knows, anyone's going to want to come to an event like this. So I listened to her, blindly just did everything created the event. I added everything that I essentially selfishly would want at the event. So a plant, everyone got a plant. I wanted a goodie bag that was staffed with like, you know, wellness products. I wanted to have yoga. I wanted to have guided meditation, a spoken word piece of performed by an artist. Like I wanted literally like everything. And then, but at the end of it, I just wanted people to have fun and just be able to see each other in that space as people of color being vulnerable, because we don't tend to get to be vulnerable a lot of times, or we're not seen as vulnerable, I should say, actually.

Jodianne (04:46):

So that's kind of why I did the event. And then I guess, long story short it naturally became a community. So cause after the event, people reached out to me and asked me when I was going to do another one. So just gradually turned into, I guess, a thing. And I kept doing events after that one, not as big because I had a lot of anxiety after that first event, to be honest. So I decided to kind of condense it and make it a little bit smaller. So I went from doing the 30, how about 30 to 40 women in the first one to kind of condensing it to about 15 women and, and men were welcome. It just so happened that it was mainly women. And so when I had did the second event, it was about 10 to 15 women. And again, we still have the guided meditation and we still had a lot of the things from the first one. But it was just smaller and more intimate. And it, that I guess became my community. It was, it was, and even now saying it out loud, it is actually very strange saying like thinking that I have a community, cause I never thought I could be someone that would, I guess be a part of like creating a community, if that makes yeah,

Marjorie (05:58):

It absolutely makes sense. It's I always hear people say, if you want to create something, think about a problem you're trying to solve. And I'm like, okay, but I don't want to solve a problem. I just, I just want to feel, I want to feel good about something, right. And so we create these experiences in order to, to help us feel better, not knowing that there's a whole bunch of other people who needed exactly the same thing that you needed. So this is I think the, the approach and how it just kind of organically came to be because you were looking for something and there were other people out there looking for the exact same thing is, is really interesting to hear.

Jodianne (06:35):

Yeah, it was it's, it's weird. It's still kind of, it's very strange to me just because I don't know. I've always felt like an outsider, so it's kinda cool and it feels good to know that like I'm a part of creating something. Yeah.

Marjorie (06:51):

That's a pretty amazing feeling in and of itself. So tell me about that first time you brought everyone together. You know, I know that when we were talking, you were like, yeah, I'm gonna, I'm gonna design this in a way that I would want to feel. These are all the things that I would want. And you, I remember you telling me that you were like, no, one's going to show up. I'm not going to tell me about that first event people coming. And you know, what was that like for you to see people show up for something that you created that was really meant to help you? How did that make you feel, knowing that they also needed that space and you created that for them?

Jodianne (07:28):

Honestly, I want to say it's indescribable, but like it actually almost is very indescribable. It was like, it felt honestly amazing. I did, like, as we said, like we spoke before, like I truly did not think I was going to sell more than 10 tickets. The ticket prices were both 30, no $30. And for me I'm like, Oh my gosh, that's so expensive. Like at the time, because I'm like, like I paid more for events, but at the same time, I'm like, I'm not known as a person that throws events like this. So I don't know if anyone's going to like trust me with their money and know that they're going to get, you know, a, B and C and so on. So when I sold out and then I had to actually have a wait list and add a couple more, that that was insane.

Jodianne (08:19):

And I sold out within, I'm going to say within three weeks. So as I had posted the event, I gave myself a month prior just to kind of give people a heads up time to whatever, if they had to figure things out, if they can attend. And within the first two weeks I sold 25 tickets and then the last week and a half or so I sold the remainder plus I had to add additional tickets. So that was like surreal for me. And I was like, okay, the pressure's on. I have to make sure this event is like really, really, really special. So I definitely went above and beyond. They reached out to the ordinary, I had a friend that did marketing there. So he had gotten me some products. So they had sponsored me on some other serums. I had reached out to a couple of local businesses that also sponsored some of their stuff for the bags.

Jodianne (09:09):

So I ha it was stacked. Like the goodie bags were probably valued at honestly about probably $350. And then I had done like a BRACA brunch style. So we had like waffles made onsite and like a whole coterie board and like drinks and wine. Like you had like a whole, it was a whole vibe. And so it was really important for me that everyone felt like they were home when they got there. And that's the whole reason I wanted to do the homemade waffles. I didn't want to like, just have waffles out of a box. Like I wanted to make them like in front of them. And then when the women came, the first woman came, she came in and I was like, at first I was like, she lost, I don't know why, but I was like, okay, so this is real. Like people are coming, like you're a real person ticket.

Jodianne (10:00):

So she came in, I said, hi, I'm Jody Yan. And she was so excited. I literally just w I'm a crier. So I was like holding back tears. Cause she like was like, Oh my gosh. And she hugged me right away. Like this was pre COVID obviously. And she hugged me and she's like, I'm so excited to be here. I, I follow you on Instagram that dah, dah, dah. And I'm just like, wow, this is weird. I was like, okay, thank you so much for coming. I gave her some some wine and water and she had like a, she sat down and waited and then more women coming in and I'm just like, wow, this is so cool. So I know I said earlier, it was indescribable clearly it's not describing it. So honestly it just, it was, it's a great feeling like seeing that first person come in was very overwhelming, but it kind of reassured me that like, what I'm doing is the right thing and I'm on the right path, even though I didn't know what the heck I was doing. And I still kind of don't know what I'm doing, but I'm slow, I'm fumbling through it, but I'm enjoying the journey

Marjorie (11:04):

And that's part of it. Right. I mean, just figuring it out along the way. I mean, the, the biggest hurdle is to just start. And then as, as you really understand the needs of the people that are gathering with you, and then you, you build that experience with them, you know, I think it's awesome that you're figuring it out that way.

Jodianne (11:22):

Thank you. And honestly, also what made it really special is that my mom was there. She attended as well. And so she got to see me from, at home planning, like crazy to seeing the end result of it. And she was like, so proud and like, not going to cry. I say, I'm not going to cry. So I don't cry. But like that in itself was like so special to me, for my mom to see like, cause she's like, what are you doing? I'm like, you'll see He's from Jamaica. So like older generation. So the whole, even the whole process of like entrepreneurship in a sense of like, Oh, that's all you're going to do. Or even in a planning an event she's like, so you're getting paid for this. I'm like, no, she likes, why are you doing

Marjorie (12:11):

It? So it's like that

Jodianne (12:13):

Mentality kind of thing. So for her to see like what I was able to do and then hear the conversations and my mom did yoga. My mom has never done yoga in her entire life. And she actually participated. And I was like, literally, like I was like, wow. And she was enjoying it. And I was like, Oh my God, mommy, you're a Yogi. I can't like it was so amazing. So that was probably my biggest highlight out of everything that day is, is having my mom there witnessed all of that.

Marjorie (12:43):

So, so what did others in attendance, like, were there, were there things that some of the attendees did or said that really helped you realize that there was a, there, there, right? Like you were like Amanda, something, this is something that people need. And I really want to continue to try to cultivate this. Was this there? What were the reactions of the attendees or is there a specific moment where you really knew that you kind of had lightning in a bottle?

Jodianne (13:07):

Ah, so there's actually two moments actually. No, there's, there's two really, there's two main ones that stick out to me. The first one is when we were having the conversations about just what plants have done for mental health and just how we've been able to use them kind of to relate to our own lives. And that kind of helps us slow down and things like that. Like a lot of the, a few of the women talked about that, but one specific girl, she said that plants literally saved her life and like gardening. And just also being able to do that with her mom, which I resonated with because like, that's kind of how my journey started was with doing it with my mom. And even as a young child, we've always had plants in the house. I just never paid them any mind. I always thought mama was weird cause she would talk to them.

Jodianne (13:50):

And I just was like, okay. But as I got older, I understood it. So that was really special to like be in a room full of women that looked like me. That really was like, just, I don't know, it was just, they were just resonating. So we were all resonating with one another so much. So that was really special. But another moment that happened that could have been negative, but it ended up being very positive. So a woman that attended, it was a white woman that attended and it was honestly open to everybody. It wasn't just specific only to women of color. I had advertised it like that, but I wanted anyone to come because I had a couple of friends messaged me that weren't people of color. And I said, yeah, for sure come buy a ticket. But I think a couple of them just weren't able to make it so a woman attended her and her daughter.

Jodianne (14:38):

So they were the only white people that were there, but they're, there are comfortable. They're fine. She was really sweet, but there was something that she brought up that was very interesting to me. So, and a few people there. So the studio that we hosted the event was owned by a black woman and Pickering. So it was called Modo yoga. So motor yoga Pickering, cause Moto is like all over the world. But they have different like, I guess locations. So she's owned her for about 10 years now. And this lady that came she has been going there for about, I think seven years, but she had no idea it was owned by a black woman. So she found out that day. And so when she was asked like, Oh, like who like, do you know the owner? And I was like, yeah, she's right there.

Jodianne (15:23):

And she's like, and she said to me, and she's like, that's the owner? And I was like, yeah, Tanya. I'm like, she was like, yeah, I've seen her at the front desk. I thought she has worked here. And I said, no, no, she's the owner. And then she's like, really? Are you sure? And it was the, it was the questioning after like the reassurance, she asked me about five times and I said, yeah, she's the owner. And she's like her, how long am I for like 10 years? And she's like, huh. So then she's like, does she have another job? Like she just kept going. She's just like, did she have another job? And I was like, no, no, no, no. Like she's the owner. She, this is her. Full-Time like, this is her business. And she's like, she almost couldn't grasp that. It was.

Jodianne (16:01):

And I was trying to figure if she couldn't grasp that it was owned by black women or she couldn't grasp that I don't know, a woman could own it. And then this is, this is it. Right? So that was very interesting. Could have been a very negative experience, but the highlight, I guess, I guess the light and all of that is that she, after she asked me that, I mean, she did ask for other people as well, which is kind of annoying, but then I guess the light in it and all her daughter, what is what I think really surprised me and like what was so special and amazing to me, her, daughter's probably been 11 years old and she came up to me and she goes, I really liked this event. Thank you so much. And I was like, you're welcome. And then she said, no, I really, really like it.

Jodianne (16:44):

Like, I didn't know that, like, I don't want to be rude, but I didn't know that like every, like she basically a black people like, like this stuff, cause she didn't know, like she doesn't really have a lot of black friends. Like she would just, and it was very innocent to me cause she was just very curious and she's like 10, 11. So I said, yeah like we love this stuff too. Like it's, I'm so happy. You're here. She ate the food. She spoke with almost every single person there. And she even engaged in the conversation when we talked about being a person, being people of color that maybe we don't really see ourselves represented in this, in this space of wellness. And she was like asking questions. She was genuinely so interested in her mom was very quiet, but her, but the daughter was asking a lot of questions and she was, she hugged everybody.

Jodianne (17:28):

And she said, thank you so much. And I could have left that co that conversation, like being very like annoyed and angry and just not even want to talk to any of them. But I was like very trying to, let's not let that ruin the day and trying to have my mind open to okay. Maybe she just really can't. She just, I don't know. She just doesn't think it's owned a black woman, but try not to make that a negative experience, but then seeing how her daughter reacted. I think just made my, it made me feel like, okay, this is definitely necessary because like kids don't even realize that we belong in this space.

Marjorie (18:03):

I think something that's really important for people to remember about nor girls plant is that it's not just about plants, right? It's not like, Hey, do you like a nice hosta come and join us at our next meet up? It's not that it's, it's not just about that. It's really about healing and growth as well. So can you talk to us a little bit about how this kind of community of growers in every sense of the word supports one another?

Jodianne (18:31):

Wow. I've never actually heard. It's like, I've never had that question asked before. That's very interesting. I would say definitely it's not just about plants. Mental health is a huge, huge part of it. And I guess for me, I connect with plants in a way where I look at them as they're me. So I care for that each time I care for them, I take it as a note, as I'm taking care of taking care of myself. So even when I have events that specifically cater to that, where we talk about plants, mental health, I really want to press that, take the time to remember to water yourself, to take care of yourself, like be careful with yourself, be patient with yourself. You're not going to like reach all your goals at once. You're not gonna like hit everything in a week or a month or a year.

Jodianne (19:23):

It takes time for great things to grow and gradually blossom. So I really try to push that. And I think people have really appreciated that at events because it's really plants honestly are such a great reminder of that. And one specific activity that we do at one of my rooted events and also I do it at my grounded one is that whenever we're repotting a plant, I have this bio degradable dissolve it paper it's eco-friendly. So I get everyone to write an affirmation or a goal on the paper and then they plant it into the plant. So when they water the plant the, the paper dissolves right away. So it's kind of like that plant is their goal plant or other affirmation plant for themselves. As they, through, as a reminder, I got a visual reminder of their growth. And if, I mean, if you want to go dark for a second, like if the plant happens to die, it's not like the end. It's not the final, it's just that goal has passed on and you're still able to set new goals going forward. So that's kind of another, hopefully I answered your question properly, but that's kind of how I see it.

Marjorie (20:35):

So it's really a lesson in self care and being gentle with yourself and, and helping to, to get others, to see that and help each other, realize that, you know, it's okay. Life is not always going to be, it's not always going to be how we want it, but be gentle with yourself.

Jodianne (20:49):

Exactly. Especially when the plant passes on or like sometimes it's not, you like sometimes the plant just maybe didn't have stable roots, which sometimes the same with us. Like sometimes when we set a goal, we don't sometimes set proper things to set us up, to be able to achieve that goal because we were rushing and then sometimes it, and it doesn't happen. Like it's supposed to, but just keep trying and look back, okay, what did I do wrong? Like what not do wrong, but what did I do? What could I have done to change things a little bit differently? And then you just keep stepping forward because I feel like we get a lot of pressure for seed being a plant parent that if I kill a plant, I'm I'm a bad plant person or I'm a plant killer, no one is a plant killer. You just have maybe just, it needed something that you couldn't have given it. It just was it's time to go. So same with us just being more patient being okay. If a goal doesn't pass, then it's fine. Just keep trying.

Bailey (21:48):

I just want to say that I really appreciate you making all these notes about it's okay. If a plant doesn't make it just on a personal level, I've been seeing it that no one said that to me before, so

Marjorie (22:01):

It's true.

Jodianne (22:02):

So like we get so, and I, you know what I got, so, and I have anxiety. So when I first rip my first plant, I was so sad and so upset, but I learned that I'm like, no, it's okay. Like my, I have how many 40, 50 other plants that are living it's that I can't focus on that one downfall. Like it just was it's time to go focus on all the other amazing things that you have. So, yeah,

Marjorie (22:31):

Juliana, I feel like you're preaching a word right now. I feel like I needed to hear that and I appreciate you. So, so talk to us about discovery. I mean, there's, there's this beautiful thing that Nora girls' plant is doing for people. And I can't imagine that, you know, someone is missing out on this intentionally. So how do people find you? How do they know about new our girls plants events in the community?

Jodianne (23:04):

Well, the first, I mean, you can follow me on Instagram, on Newark with the E girls plant. I also, ah, ha I always ask people to sign up for my newsletter. So that really helps people stand to touch with, they'll be the first to know basically about the events anything that's coming up that like I'm launching soil, like anything new product I'm launching the newsletter is literally your first, like your first guy to that. But following me on Instagram, I have a website www dot nor girls' plant.com. You can find me there as well. But the best way I would say is, is my newsletter through my Instagram and also a Facebook fan page. Well, not fan page. I hit that word like page.

Marjorie (23:49):

So then people just kind of come to you word of mouth or is it, do they see maybe a collaboration that you're doing with someone? And they're like, Oh, I really need to dig deeper into what, what Margo's plant is about or is it, is it really organic growth? No pun intended.

Jodianne (24:06):

I was like, I see you. You're so funny. You know what? It's literally been organic growth, honestly. I'm going to say, yeah, it's been organic growth because when I started that page, like, I don't like no one really knew what, like what I was doing or I guess who I was. I mean, people still don't really know who I am. I'm using heavy quotation. Like you can see me, but I would say it's word of mouth when those group of women, first group of women came to my first event, then after people posting about that, and I had video with Don for that event. So I had a lot of content to repost and share. And then the people that attended also like, you know, told other people about it. So that's really all it really was, was word of mouth, to be honest. And I guess that's yeah. Organic growth.

Marjorie (24:57):

Wow. That's like a unicorn situation. When it comes to community, it was all organic,

Jodianne (25:03):

Amazing.

Marjorie (25:04):

Like, I love that. And then you know, there will be people who are like, but it'll just come together. Like you gotta do a little bit more work. So

Jodianne (25:14):

Sweating in their sweat, you know, dirt, you know, get, get in there, get messy. But honestly, like it's so cliche for you to hear when blood, yeah. I just grew radically like, you know, just be yourself, but legit, just be yourself.

Marjorie (25:32):

You're a year in now. Like you're a year in with Markel's plant. And just as you are getting started and you're building momentum and things are starting to chug along the world's like, here's the pandemic enjoy. So how are you, how are you, how are you pivoting during these times? And keeping things going with, with folks who are really engaged with Norell's plan

Jodianne (25:53):

Pivoting, I would say honestly, online events, online events have been this new thing that I was, I was scared of. Cause I'm like the connection isn't going to be there, but I've been able to pivot to doing some online events for the, even the reporting I had partnered with my friend, Rebecca, Rebecca Price. She has a company called IRAs yoga, amazing, amazing woman. And so she does a mother's day event every year in person. But obviously because of Rona, we have to do it online. So, or she had to do our own wine. So she asked me to join her. And so I had done the portion. It was the plant. So I did the repotting. We put the package together. We hand delivered every one of the packages. Luckily they were all Toronto. So it wasn't like someone ordered, like someone bought a ticket from like Vancouver.

Jodianne (26:38):

Cause that would have been, I don't know, we had to figure that out. But one way I've been able to pivot is doing some of the events online. And then when things kind of opened up again I was able to do them in person again, but again, with social distancing and limited numbers, I had to really keep it at like 10 max. Oh no, not 10, eight max. And then me. And I'll usually another person that hosting together that makes us 10 altogether. So it's definitely a lot smaller of a group, but it's still special. It's still goes well. So that's been really good and I've also been able to do hikes. So the hikes that I organize are free, we just, we meet at a location at a conservation and we go for a hike. I've usually done about 15 to 20 people.

Jodianne (27:27):

And it's been great that in itself, I think has really kept me going because hiking is something I, I basically started doing this year. I never used to walk or, I mean, I walk all my saying I walked, but I didn't like hike or like go for long walks ever before. So COVID definitely allowed, allowed me, or I guess made me force me to do it. And then I had just made a post one days. I didn't want to go on a hike with me and people said, yeah, sure. And that's how that started. So I've been doing hikes, I've done about four and I'm doing the last one, actually this coming Sunday.

Marjorie (28:02):

That's fascinating. So you, so for these hikes, are these just people getting together and you're just hiking just for a little bit of connection. Is there something that you also do with these hikes or is it, is it literally just to help people feel a little bit closer to one another in a socially distance way and you know, really kind of experienced the nature that's around them to help keep them centered

Jodianne (28:26):

The last part? Yes. Yes. Honestly, literally I read just like the first one I did. I didn't know that God's doing like, like, like everything I do, I never know what I'm doing. I was like, Hey, want to go night? Because me, I made a post and people said, yes, I'm like, cool. Meet me here. So it was very, just a word of mouth thing. And then the second time I did my color may make this a little bit more legit. So I made an event bright and I limit, I limited the numbers and I put the whole COVID rules in there. And we, they came, we literally just, you know, I said, thank you so much for coming. And we started walking, like, that's it? And it just, it's amazing that the simplest thing that we think like, Oh no, one's gonna want to go on a walk with me or no, we're just walking outside.

Jodianne (29:08):

But there was something really special about being outside in nature, especially in a time where we feel so confined at the time too, we felt so confined to our homes. So being outside in nature was something that was very comforting for a lot of people. And you got to meet some people you've probably never met before. And we, I always tried to choose locations that was close to the water. So we would, you know, have moments where we would stop by the by the river. And we'd kind of like stick our feet in when it was warmer at the time. And just kinda just like chill, like, no, you wouldn't even talk. We would just like all our own little spot and just like take in nature. So that's been really, really special. And then this last one that I'm doing, I've actually am going to giving everyone a little treat for me, like a little surprise from partnering with a crystal company when my good friends, Sandra eight Oh eight. So she's going to be providing me with some of her products. And then everyone that sign up will get a free gift as a thank you for like, I guess, journeying with me throughout these hikes.

Marjorie (30:08):

This is some really special stuff that you're doing with marvelous plan. And you know, the more that I hear about it, the more like it just, it, it just fills me with such joy and I'm not even actively participating in, in what you're doing. So, so, but I would love to hear what this community has meant to you and to your community members. And, you know, in the time that you've been up and running and the events that you have been able to, to hold events and bring people together, you know? And do you have, do you have any stories either from your own personal self or from others who that really kind of show what that impact has been either for you or for other people?

Jodianne (30:54):

Wow. Okay. So honestly, nor girls' plant has literally literally saved my life. Like, no, not even exaggerating because when I started it, it was just something I just wanted to share that plants are making me feel something again, and throughout this whole journey, like I've met so many amazing people that I don't think I would have had met if it wasn't for creating this in my saddest moments. So it's, it's definitely made me a stronger person. It's shown me that I'm actually, when I put my mind to something, I can actually accomplish things as much as I may procrastinate or complain or whatever. It's really shown me. Like my, like, I guess my resilience in a way. And even with other people, like the people that I've met, they've, I've had messages from people reaching out to me just saying, thank you so much. Like this has done so much for me. You have no idea. And even literally recently someone messaged me and said that the last event that I did in person one, she said that it's given her skillsets, that she didn't realize that she needed and she's been searching for something for so long. And after leaving the event, she, she found it and I was like, that's insane. Like, I, I was like, I, wow. Like that made me cry

Marjorie (32:20):

Pretty impactful. And how do you, how do you feel knowing that, you know, born from something that you personally needed, you have helped fulfill something for so many people. Like, how does that, how does that sit with you?

Jodianne (32:35):

It's strange. It's, it's really strange. And it's hard to grasp to be honest, because I've never seen myself as a influential person. I grew up not thinking I was intelligent at all. Cause teachers that's what they told me. I was basically was not smart. So I, I struggle with that a lot. I struggle with a lot of self doubt, a lot of self-sabotage I struggle with wondering if I'm intellectual enough and if I can be in certain rooms and so on. So having any type of impact on anyone is it means a lot to me, like more than money, more than fame, like more than anything, it means everything.

Marjorie (33:25):

Yeah. I can, I can hear it in your voice. I definitely can hear, hear how much that means to you. So, but I wanna, I wanna, I wanna dig a little deeper into something because, you know, during an earlier conversation that you and I had, you know, we were talking about how you were shocked to know that there were so many other black men and women who were looking for belonging in this space, not only in the space of plants and being connected to them, but healing that weren't getting that visibility. And I think that when you don't see it, it's hard for you to know that there's anything out there for you. So what would you say to other folks who are seeking community? But it feels like there isn't, there isn't one there for them

Jodianne (34:16):

Create your own. Like, I feel like as simple as that, like create your own, like, create something that you would want that you'd want to see. And if you can't find it just like me, like, I couldn't find it. And I still doubted myself, but I, I did it. And like, if you can't find something that's out there that you want to be a part of creating it yourself, and I'm telling you the right people will be drawn to you. Like, it's just the power of God like that. That's that's honestly, the most I can say is that the right people will always come to you no matter how small or little impact you think you're going to have, you're going to have an impact. Even if it's just one person that reaches out to you, that's interested in something you created, that's still one more person than no one

Marjorie (35:06):

For sure. You know, and communities get created sometimes by, you know, and I've heard Bailey talk a little bit about this sometimes in some of the other podcasts that she's done, but you know, finding community sometimes begins with creating what you're looking for. And then next thing, you know, there's a whole bunch of other people who are looking for the same thing that you were looking for and they just hadn't started. So it just takes that, you know, you're, you're the spark in that respect, you know, you, you, you started the fire and now it's, and now it's going and I think that's pretty beautiful.

Jodianne (35:38):

Thank you. And you know, I have to also credit not only God, but I have to credit Solange shout out, shout out to my big sister so long. I would tell you that woman is amazing. And when she said create your own table, I'm like, yes. So I'm and one little brief, quick story. But so my love for Solange obsession kind of,uI actually met her at her. I went to a concert, well, in my mind, I met her and I went to a concert of her. And I was like at the front row, this underground kind of thing. And I had made a break. I was doing jewelry at the time and I actually waved my hand, like a maniac in the audience because I was close enough to her and to give it, to let her know like this is for her. And she took it and she put it on and worked throughout the whole show. So that's my slugs moment. Oh, that's called meeting her for sure. My eyes like eye contact. You met her.

Bailey (36:53):

I wanted to ask you a question. This is, this is like, it goes back a little bit to something you said in the beginning of the interview, I've had pretty bad anxiety as well. And just hearing you talk about hosting this event with anxiety and also with self doubt and, and then also, you know, adding in how important it is to make your own table. I, this is quite a personal question, but I was just wondering, like, how did you have the strength to, to, to put such a beautiful event on while it sounds like you were just dealing with a lot of adversity? I, you know, is there, I think a lot of times people find themselves in an state of need for a community, maybe when they're already feeling just like at a low point. And so it sounds like you kind of found strength in that moment. And I was just wondering if there's any light you could shed on that.

Jodianne (37:50):

It's funny that you ask that specific question, because I actually had to answer that question. A few months ago throughout like a branding session with my cousin and I actually discovered something and we talked about my first event. That's so it's so creepy that you're saying, but you asked that specific question, but like amazing creepy, obviously. I didn't want, I realized I didn't want to disappoint the stuff that sounds so weird. I didn't want to disappoint the little me I wanted, because I feel like growing up, I was so not, I felt not seen. And I felt like I was always told no, no, no. And I can't do this. I'm not smart. And I felt like I had to do this event for the younger, like my past self. So she could see me now as someone that's thriving. And even though I'm struggling, I'm still pushing through and I'm not listening to those voices of like, you can't do this or like, you're not good enough.

Jodianne (38:52):

So like I had to literally force myself every day up until the day of that event to get out of bed and to like plan and execute. And it was hard. Like, it was really hard. Like there's days, like even the morning of the event I made it. I'm like, okay, I'm not going. And then I was like, I can't not go. And then every time I literally had a moment of like, I can't do this. I would think of myself, like, don't disappoint yourself. Like just do it. And don't disappoint. You don't want to disappoint the, all the women that are coming as well. So that kind of kept me going, but I think I discovered what made me really push to do that was thinking of like my younger self and wanting her to see like, it gets better. Like you turn out. Okay.

Bailey (39:42):

Yeah. And I mean, I'm wondering too one of my friends runs this basketball team for women who are bad at basketball in New York city. And I've, I've played with it a number of times and it's just wonderful. It's such a wonderful space, but it takes such serious devotion, you know, she's, she's there like every week hosting and, and kind of doesn't travel so she can do that. And, and I, I remember asking her if she ever got tired of it. And she said that this thing that she does hosting practice gives her energy. And so she keeps thinking, maybe she'll stop, but, but then it's so generative for her that she just naturally keeps going. And I was wondering, you know, does that feel familiar to you as well? And, and thinking about how important it is to make an event that you would want to go to? You know, it seems very important if you're starting a community to do something that you enjoy doing, whether or not it's super popular or not. Because if you want to, if you want to keep going, if you want to build meaningful relationships around something, you have to stick with it. But yeah. Yeah. How, how has it been sort of since the launch, like what keeps you going?

Jodianne (40:53):

Honestly, I think my mom as well keeps me going because my mom is someone. I feel like she has, she has sacrificed so much for all of us and I'm the youngest. So I'm the youngest of like seven. But like from like all of us put together cause different parents at times, but still my mom has been, has been with all of us for so much so long and like done so much for us and just seeing her strength and seeing like the sacrifices that she's had to make for, in order for us to have, I guess, our dreams come true. It's I think that really does push me. I'm like, cause I'm like, that's a lot of, it's like, that's your life? So I'm like, I also don't want to disappoint her. And I want her to see that, like, even though, you know, I was doubted as a child, I want her to see that like, as I'm struggling through this, I'm still going to push through. I'm still going to keep going. Yeah,

Bailey (41:51):

Go moms. They're really helpful for showing us that like, you can do so much with grit, you know, and know so many moms have made it through so much difficulty.

Jodianne (42:04):

And I honestly respect my mom. I didn't understand my mom at all. When I was younger. I respect her now that I can say like, I'm a woman now. I'm like, wow. Yeah, you did a lot. Cause I was like, my mom and I didn't always get along growing up. And I never understood like as a woman, like what she could have been going through because I could, we just think our parents, our parents, our parents already have names. They're just mom and dad. They don't have emotions. They don't have feelings in that sense. Like they don't like, like any of that stuff. Like we don't even think about that for them. But as a woman, I'm like, Holy crap, you are phenomenal. You are resilient. Like you did a lot to get to where you are. So I have so much more respect for my mom as a woman now that I understand that she has feelings and like, she reacts to things the way she does because of what she's been through. So

Marjorie (42:55):

As we look along, if it is, if we look at what this journey has been for you, what do you wish that you would have known before you started? Or what are you glad that you've learned along this journey that you will take with you into the future as you continue to build our girls?

Bailey (43:13):

Yeah.

Jodianne (43:16):

Yes. I want to take with me that I don't know it's going to sound so like corny, but like, I feel like I would take that. I can literally do, or we can literally do anything. We put our minds to, we're a lot stronger and we're a lot more resilient than we give ourselves credit for as, as much as we go through the anxiety and the depression each time. And I heard someone say this recently, I wish I could remember who said it, but they said, each time you, you go through depression or your anxiety, you men, you make it through. You're literally, you're building that muscle. Like you're getting stronger and stronger every time. They're like the fact that you've pushed past all those dark, that darkness. And you're still here. You're like, you are, you are a superhero. Like you're so strong. Cause that takes a lot.

Jodianne (44:04):

A lot of people don't get to have that moment of, of like continuing on. So I would say definitely I take away that like when I, when I, when I put my mind to something, I, I know I'm going to do it or I know I can do it with help. I can't do everything by myself. But it kind of gives me hope to know that like, okay, as much as I may, like things may be really hard at the end of the day, I'm going to push through. And I feel like this community has also taught me that you don't have to do everything yourself. Like there are people out there that are also struggling with the same things you are and you find that out by creating CUNY or by, or by being a part of community, you read, you get to meet, sorry, like-minded people, you get to meet people that are also struggling, but are also pushing through and also being resilient. So I feel like the fighting and create this. I wouldn't know a lot of the people that I've met and I've become really good friends. Like I have lifelong friendships now with some of the people that I've met, I hope that answers the question

Marjorie (45:11):

It did. And I think it's something there's something really important that you said in that. And it's that we, we are not intended to do this life alone. Right. Community is essential to, and connection is essential to our well-being. And it's, I had a conversation with someone last week when we were talking about the power of connection. And when we feel like there's no one around, right? Like there, I know that there are times when I'm like, you know what, I, I just need a hug, somebody to put a handout and just pull me up off the floor a little bit. And it's because we are wired to have connection. It is essential to our well-being. So I guess, you know, all that to say that what you're doing with Nora girls plant is on a level that's so much deeper than maybe even the people who are, are participating.

Marjorie (46:04):

And maybe even you might realize that, you know, the connection that you're creating, not only to nature, but to other people is essential to, to our wellbeing and essential to living. And to me that just sets so heavy on my heart because I never realized it that way. Right. You think of, you know, I know I can do this thing on my own. I don't need anybody's help. And then when you feel incredibly lonely and you're like, where where's, where's the help it's in that moment that you realize that the help is always there, you just need to, you just need to ask for it and to seek it. And I think that's incredibly important. And I think that's a great thing and a great message that more girls plan is helping to deliver. So if you were to look five years down the line two years down the line five years is a long way away. I mean, especially with 2025 years feels like it's already happened, but if we're in 2030 right now, I know, I know happy fifth year, 20, 20, our anniversary, that's where we're at right now. So if you look just a couple of years down the line, if you look at the future of what nor our girls plant could be you may not have a clear vision for it. Maybe you want it to just shape, shape itself. But what do you hope to see happening for this community in the future?

Jodianne (47:22):

Honestly, I want it to be a community just that not only just to like the event itself, but I want people to stay to connected with one another. I want, I want lifelong friendships to be made with people I want retreats. I definitely see retreats in the future. I want to be able to do a week long retreat, I think could be really special. Cause I think there's something special about just being with people for a certain amount of time overnight and just like connecting on almost like when you're back in your kids, camping kind of thing. Like I just think there's something really special about that. And I definitely there's a book in the future. Definitely. There's a book. And I want to do self care kits, which I'm going to be launching soon actually, but overall I just want the community to just be known for connection and support.

Jodianne (48:14):

Cause I think support is huge. Sometimes we just need someone to talk to, or you just need to know that we can reach out to somebody. Therapy is very important, but I just think that having a community of people that, that, you know, that will be there for you as well is really special. So yeah, that's, that's kinda what I'm thinking right now, but yeah, well I wish all that for you and more Jodi and it has been, you know, an hour is not enough time. Like I feel like, I feel like we need to be sitting and talking with tea and wine and cookies and treats and all the things and bacon talking more and more. But I, I certainly have appreciated this time just to be able to sit and chat with you in this way and learn more about the work that you're doing and what you have done. It's been, it's been an absolute pleasure. I have loved this chat and I'm so glad that we were able to connect. Thank you so much. Honestly, this has been awesome talking to you and Bailey and really, really excited to hear this episode. And yeah, this was really fun and I hope we get to do it again.

Marjorie (49:30):

Thank you. If you want to connect with Jody Beckford and Noire Girls Plant community, you can reach them on all of the socials at Nora girls plant or visit the website, new our girls, plant.com. Thank you to our team. Thank you, Rosanna Cavon for engineering and editing Greg David for his design work and Katie O'Connell for marketing this episode,

Speaker 4 (49:57):

You can find out more about the work we do as people in company, helping organizations get clearer on who their most important communities are and how to build with those people. By heading to our website, people and.company. Also, if you want to start your own community or supercharge one, you're already a part of our handbook is here for you. Visit get together book.com to grab a copy. It's full of stories and learnings from conversations with community leaders like this one with Jody Ann. Oh, and last thing you know what it is. If you have the time and energy, we would love. If you would review this podcast or click subscribe. So you get the episodes, it helps more folks find out about the get together podcast cruisy. See y'all next time.

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