Ever since I was a kid, I have always had a strong interest in the natural world. Whether that was taking a close look at a flower or catching fireflies with my neighbors, it all infatuated me.

As I grew older, this love never left me, and it turned into a want for my own pet. I really wanted a hamster and begged my parents for one, promising them that I would take full responsibility for it. Most kids would get bored with their pets within a month and leave the responsibility to their parents. However, my interest grew stronger every day, and I would spend many hours researching how to enrich this hamster's life. I even built it a large custom cage.

As my interest in good pet care grew, so did my love of other pets and plants. I ended up buying a crested gecko without my parents' permission. Though they were mad at first, they eventually came around to her because they knew I would be responsible enough to care for her. This is when I was introduced to an entire new world of pet care: Bioactive terrariums. Taking my love of reptiles and combining it with my growing interest in plants.

I started with simplistic designs that used large pieces of cork, grapevine driftwood, isopods, springtails, and a few plants with simple care requirements, like bromeliads and mini palms. My first-ever bioactive terrarium started a hunger to make even more complex terrariums.

Now the terrariums I make are a far progression from my simple beginnings. Now I make custom backgrounds with foam, sealant, wood, and clay. I also incorporate rare aroids and orchids with difficult care requirements. I learned a lot about scaping this like I'm painting a picture. I have to be intentional with the depth of wood and the textures of the plants. These are not only a challenge to build but also a challenge to maintain, and I love all of it.

These tanks teach me to grow and adapt and show me that great things come with time. Creating these mini ecosystems has shaped who I am today and has helped develop my artistic vision. I've even been given nicknames that relate to it. Building a new terrarium every summer has become a ritual to me and is something I look forward to every year. I love being able to watch my skills grow and myself grow as an artist.