Conversations with Teryl Ciarlo
Today we’d like to introduce you to Teryl Ciarlo.
Teryl, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My love of landscape and gardens started with my Grandmother who had 2 acres of land. I had the best memories picking apricots and cutting roses and fresh herbs with her. I also recognized that a garden brings friends and family together…it is fun to say, ” come on over to pick some strawberries and tomatoes and stay for a glass of wine”.
I started doing gardens for friends and then decided to start my own business and my passion took off by word of mouth. I have a deep affection for delivering the California dream of indoor/outdoor living for my clients. We are so lucky that the good weather here leads the path to outdoor entertaining most of the year and my clients want a beautiful space to experience.
I also believe in community gardens and donating to schools where kids can learn the rewards of growing their own vegetables.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I thankfully would say that it has mostly been a smooth road. Hard work pays off and I have worked hard to make my business successful. It also allowed me to work my own hours while raising my twin boys. I am especially grateful for that aspect. Sometimes I would pick them up with a car or truckload of plants but it all worked out.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
1. I am a Landscape Designer.
2. I specialize in Outdoor Living by designing a beautiful space for families that want to take
their yards, and gardens to another level. Making the space work for the homeowner and the kids. Pools, outdoor kitchens, herb gardens, patios and my favorite idea that I present to my clients is an outdoor fireplace where people can hang out and be cozy and enjoyable.
3. I am most proud of convincing my clients the importance of saving water as part of their project. Everyone needs to be involved and contribute to sustainability in their surrounding environment. In California especially we really need to save water.
4. Collaborating with the homeowner and listening to what they really want and then through in some inspiration that they can understand. (I also dress up…..I never run around in sweats. Dtyle is style…fashion or in the garden. Gardensista style)
How can people work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
People can look at my Website to see if they like my design sense and then we meet, look at the space and see what does or does not work. Most clients can see that I love what I do and I get so excited about how the transformation will look. Next, we collaborate on ideas that will enhance the outdoor space and make it unique and special. Even the tiniest patio can be turned into a jewel box.
One of the ways that clients can support me is to be open to trusting the process. If the project takes 2 weeks to complete..understand that on day 3 it is not going to look good. Some clients are very excited for the process and some are very nervous. I don’t advertise… all of my work comes from word of mouth so that is usually comforting to most clients.
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