Meet Giamo van Kanten and Liz Durozel of Essencia Air in Wynwood

Today we’d like to introduce you to Giamo van Kanten and Liz Durozel.

So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
Giamo
While all my travels to China, I spent a lot of time in heavily polluted areas. As for fit as I thought I was, I was experiencing cardiovascular problems and bronchial issues while I was there. So, I started doing some research on natural remedies to purify the air inside my living space. I stumbled upon the NASA study and I started learning about the benefits of having plants inside your space and how to filter out toxins. So, I ended up implementing plants inside my room and noticed a significant difference in my sleeping patterns. My random cough went away, my bronchial issues slowly dissipated and I was sold that plants can have a dramatic change on your physical body by being around them and letting them clean the air. So, I naturally felt that everybody should have plants inside their home. Then I did another study with my son, who was born asthmatic and noticed dramatic changes in his sleeping patterns. At night, his wheezing stopped and his daily life activities improved by him sleeping in a room full of plants. Once I saw the benefits on this level, I did some more research to see if any businesses focused on these aspects and there were zero. Having always been an entrepreneur, I saw supply and demand and decided to partner up with Liz.

Liz
Born and raised in Miami, Fl, Plants have been a staple in my life and upbringing. My brother and I grew up as asthmatics, so I can sympathize with children who have suffered from asthma. I always had plants in my home. My mother would make arrangements on her leisure time for special occasions like weddings, baby showers, or birthdays but more importantly, my parents who are both in the medical field understood the importance of having plants inside their home to purifying the air and decrease the pollutants which heightened allergic reactions and asthma. It was refreshing to know upon doing research and reading the NASA study on indoor plants and noticing the overall positive impact on my health and well-being change for the better, that this sometimes underrated species can increase the overall well being of physical but more importantly mental health in a positive way. Raising awareness of the health benefits indoor plants provide, giving back to the community, and creating an overall experience drive my passion for sharing Essencia Air with the world.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Yes and No. We say yes because as soon as we show them the benefits of air purifying plants they automatically fall in love with the product. So that has been the easy part. No, at times because of the limited resources and funds that we have been trying to build the business with. Creating Essencia Air has not been a smooth road. We have put time and dedication into building our brand with limited resources. One of our biggest obstacles was figuring out a way to get the product into peoples hands In the day and age of convenience. Finding a cost-effective way to market our brand and raise awareness of the air purifying qualities plants provide.

Please tell us about Essencia Air.
Essencia Airs main focus is to create awareness of the benefits NASA approved indoor air purifying plants have inside your space. Whether it be your home, office, daycare, schools, and or universities. Not only do we specialize in these things but also try to create an aesthetically warm modern look to it all while always having peoples backs by answering all of their plants need questions from when to fertilize, to watering habits, to emergency phone calls when leaves are wilting or turning brown. Look at us like emergency services but for plants. We take video calls or do house visits, diagnose photos, and we offer to customize plant care packages. Another thing we feel sets us apart is our created Sip and succulent event, where we teach people how to build their own terrarium. Also specializing in Vertical Moss Walls, Vertical Garden Installations. Ultimately what sets us apart is reducing our carbon footprint and giving back to the community. See donate page on our website.

We are most proud of the organic following and the collaborative efforts from our interns.

We were in the lead of creating awareness of indoor air purification plants
We also ship our plants nationwide.

So, what’s next? Any big plans?
We plan to work with the school district and university campuses to implement plants into the classrooms to increase energy levels, cognitive skills., and decrease allergy-like symptoms, remove toxins inside hermetically sealed buildings, work with architects to implement green spaces and rooftops into all future buildings especially in heavily populated areas. Also for our local people, we want to have our plants inside 10 strategically located stores.

We currently have our plants in stores at KALMA, Vegan Fine Foods and Get Lit Candle Bar.

Contact Info:

• Address: 123 NW 23rd St, Miami, FL 33127
• Website: www.essenciaair.com
• Phone: 786-205-7251
• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: EssenciaAir
• Facebook: EssenciaAir
• Other: LinkedIn-EssenciaAir

Image Credit:
All images have been taken by Essencia Air

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