On Her Own Wayve: Meet Syedah Duncan
Spring is all about new blooms, growth, + harvesting what was planted in the cooler months. syedah duncan has given new blooms a new meaning as she launched her business, outsye’d, a sustainable nursery and garden.
As I grow in my sustainable journey, gardening keeps resurfacing. Growing up, both of my grandmothers had gardens at their homes and one even had a pet duck in hers in the middle of New Orleans which was not traditional by any means haha, but it was normal for me. During lockdown, I tried my hand at gardening and learned that I have a love of growing succulents and tropical plants. I love tending to them. A few years ago, I met Syedah who simply has the purest energy around. She’s so sweet and confident and when I learned about her love of plants and the many foods she grows in her garden, I became more obsessed with her. Since then, she’s launched her own business that not only allows her to grow her garden but she helps others start their own as well!
At A Glance:
What book are you currently reading?
The Great Gatsby, (chuckles) I am currently stuck in the 1920’s era.
What is your favorite go-to song at the moment?
Special by WizKid feat Don Toliver. Afrobeats has me in a chokehold, tribute to my roots.
As someone with one of the most amazing gardens, what is your favorite item to both grow and cook?
Okra! As a child, I grew up eating fried okra the Liberian way. I've always seen them harvested but never knew what they looked like when they were growing. I decided to grow them fresh to make my favorite Liberian meal. While they were growing, I discovered that the plant always produces these beautiful flowers. It made it so worth it, and of course, the taste was 10 times better when fresh and prepared with my hands!
Feature Questions:
A+P: You are a woman with so many gifts and talents. Tell us about yourself and what led you to gardening.
SD: I am so honored to be interviewed and featured! I can’t thank you enough! When asked to share the "about me" portion, I often prefer to keep it simple and humble. I am a first-generation American, born and raised in the United States to parents who hail from Liberia, West Africa. This background has instilled in me a deep appreciation for cultural diversity and a strong sense of identity. I am a college graduate with a Bachelor's degree in Communications, which has provided me with a solid foundation in effective communication strategies and media relations. With over 13 years of professional experience in the field of marketing, I have had the privilege of working with renowned organizations and media outlets. My journey in the media industry began at the prestigious New York radio station, 95.5 WPLJ, where I honed my skills in the marketing and promotions department, connecting with audiences through the power of radio. This invaluable experience paved the way for further growth in my career, as I went on to work with esteemed organizations such as Fox News Channel, ESSENCE Communications, and currently Paramount, where I contributed to strategic marketing campaigns and brand development.
Currently, I am involved in moderating a monthly series called Movers and Makers at MC at the MC Hotel in Montclair, New Jersey. This platform allows me to facilitate meaningful conversations and provide a spotlight and safe space for local artists, businesses, and community leaders to showcase the great work they are doing. I am passionate about utilizing effective communication and strategic marketing techniques to connect, inspire, and drive positive change. This attribute translates into my journey as a gardener.
As a young girl, I would watch my grandmother plant flowers and vegetables all around the house. I would sometimes help by watering until the bugs ate me up or the heat became unbearable. When I moved into my own home, I told my grandmother that we had a larger canvas to start planting. (Chuckles) She agreed and gave me a bag of seeds to do it myself. Little did I know, that's exactly what I needed - to figure it out myself. The self-discovery amid gardening taught me patience, living in the moment, and gratitude.
A+P: During COVID’s lockdown time, so many of us were in our gardens and a good bit of us have continued gardening as the world has opened up. What is your favorite part of gardening and how has it been bringing your son in on your favorite pastime?
SD: Man, it's amazing to watch the growth from seed to fruit/vegetable. I remember when I prepared the garden at the start of spring, and seeing how bare it looked made me feel a bit discouraged. However, watching the process unfold has translated to my everyday life. Just plant the seed, sit back, water, and watch the magic happen. The garden teaches me valuable lessons, with patience being a recurring one.
There are times when I sit in the back, and my little guy will run out with the dog, eager to water or yell, "It’s harvest time!" It provides us with an opportunity for quality time together and allows him to learn about nature, responsibility, and the process of growing his food or plants. It fosters a sense of accomplishment and pride in him when he sees the results of his efforts.
A+P: Gardening requires true patience and a lot of love and it can be great for one’s mental health. How has gardening healed you?
SD: Gardening allows me to disconnect from the fast-paced world and find solace in nature. Nurturing and witnessing the plants' growth has a calming effect on my mind. It helps me practice patience and teaches me to appreciate the beauty of slow and gradual progress. I used to be someone who acted on impulse, and I'm not proud of it. I remember my first year of gardening, where every day I would not only water the plants but also observe every ounce of growth. It reminded me of working out or eating healthy for just five minutes and then stepping on the scale to see the results.
Gardening provides a sense of accomplishment and fulfillment. For the longest time, I would start projects and not complete them. Seeing the literal fruits of my labor brings me immense joy and satisfaction. It reminds me of the power of nurturing and caring for something, and how it results in a beautiful outcome.
The most important thing gardening allows me to do is to be present. Often, I am constantly on the go, thinking about the next thing I have to do or pondering all possible outcomes. However, when I'm in the garden, it serves as a form of meditation. I can focus on the task at hand, whether it's harvesting or cleaning the weeds, and let go of any worries or stress. The fresh air and sounds of nature create a peaceful environment that rejuvenates my spirit.
Q: Your nursing videos have actually helped me with my own gardening skills. What is OutSye’D and what inspired you to start this new journey?
This fills my heart, because that is my goal!
OutSye’D, is a small business founded in 2023 by me, a passionate gardener, who has always had a green thumb and a deep love for all things gardening. With a keen eye for recognizing the growth from seed and appreciating the intricate process in between, I've embraced the challenges that come with gardening, including encounters with rabbits, groundhogs, and chipmunks who occasionally nibble on the crops. Rather than viewing them as pests, I recognizes them as integral parts of the gardening process.
My inspiration truly came from my hobby. Inspired by the journey of being a "plant mom," I developed a profound love for repotting and nurturing plants, witnessing firsthand how they flourish with proper care, love, and the right nutrients. This personal journey has instilled a deep understanding of the importance of providing the best supplies and education to fellow gardening enthusiasts. I started sharing more, and truthfully thought many would think its an elder’s hobby, but I peaked peoples interests. I would receive Dm’s asking “How to…”, and “can you come help me get my garden started”, or “ugh, I need to repot mine. You just inspired me to do so…”
OutSye’D aims to provide, educate, and offer services for your garden and indoor plant needs.
Q: When bringing in new plants, what do you usually look for?
When bringing in new plants, there are a few things I usually look for:
1. Health: I check for any signs of disease, pests, or damage. It's important to choose plants that are in good health and free from obvious issues.
2. Leaves: I examine the leaves for any discoloration, spots, or wilting. Healthy leaves should be vibrant and firm.
3. Roots: While it can be tricky to examine roots in stores, I try to check if they are not overly root-bound. Healthy roots should not be tightly tangled or constricted.
4. Growth stage: Depending on my gardening goals, I consider the growth stage of the plant. At certain times during the season, it is beneficial to choose plants in a specific growth stage to maximize the harvest season's benefits.
By considering these factors, I aim to select healthy plants that have the best chance of thriving in my garden and providing a bountiful harvest.
A+P: For someone who has never gardened but is interested in giving it a try, what advice would you give?
SD: When learning how to walk, you stumbled a couple of times before completing a full step. Similarly, in gardening, it's important to start small with a few potted vegetables. Researching and planning are crucial steps. I remember the impact it had on me when I grabbed a notebook, drew out the gardening space, and planned what I wanted to plant. By strategically placing crops together, you can maximize benefits by avoiding insects, and wildlife, and enhancing flavor! It’s the strategic marketer mindset in me coming into play.
Next, invest time in preparing your soil, just as you prepare yourself for the days ahead. Remove any weeds, rocks, or debris and enrich the soil with organic matter, such as compost. This step is crucial for a healthy garden. Watering and regular monitoring are essential. Consistent watering, especially in the early stages of plant growth, is vital. Monitoring your plants helps you stay ahead of any signs of distress, such as wilting or discoloration, and allows you to adjust your watering schedule accordingly.
Lastly, enjoy the process. Gardening is not just about the end result but also about the journey, similar to the loc (hair) journey. Embrace the learning experience, be patient with yourself, and enjoy the therapeutic benefits of connecting with nature. Just take the leap and everything will flow naturally. Remember, everything is trial and error, but once you find your groove, you'll be elated. Just remember to be patient and present.
A+P: What can we expect next from both you and OutSye’D?
SD: I plan to continue sharing garden content and hacks, raising awareness about urban agriculture. As for OutSye'D, you can expect a commitment to providing high-quality plants, garden products, and re-potting services. We will continue to curate a diverse selection of indoor plants, including popular favorites, easy-care options, as well as unique and rare varieties. Additionally, OutSye'D will offer consulting services to assist with various gardening needs, such as garden designs, and indoor plant interior designs, and personalized advice and recommendations to help you achieve your gardening goals.
We are also passionate about giving back to the community. We will be attending several pop-ups and offering fun workshops to share our knowledge and engage with fellow gardening enthusiasts.
I’m looking forward to continuous service and educating our customers and contributing to the world of gardening.