Today we’d like to introduce you to Laura Mendoza.
Hi Laura, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I have a bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science, which I got in Mexico, where I am from. For most of my professional life I have worked as an environmental educator in one way or another. For about 5 years I owned a business in Mexico teaching people sustainable gardening and providing assistance to start community and school gardens.
After I moved to Minnesota 6 years ago, I knew I wanted to continue doing something that I felt passionate about. My husband was a great helper on getting me into the path I am now, as he got me connected with Shelley Larson, who had been doing shoreline restoration utilizing native plants for about 20 years. She was very happy to share all her knowledge while we collaborated for a couple of years, before she retired. Thanks to her years of experience, I started my business four years ago with a significant advantage and have been able to build upon that strong base.
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 don’t think that the entrepreneurship world is easy or linear, but I have been very lucky to have people that have helped me through my journey.
Something that can be as much of a struggle as a learning opportunity, in my line of business, is adapting to the variables that make each site unique, then weather unpredictability and influence add another layer of complexity.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Great Roots LLC?
I do shoreline restoration using natural techniques and reintroducing native vegetation. Native vegetation has deep roots that help protect the soil from erosion and provide habitat for pollinators and other wildlife.
The projects I design consider the site needs and characteristics, finding a balance between getting the most environmental benefits while allowing for people to continue enjoying their space the way they like.
Something that sets me apart from other companies is that I do my installations through educational events, where family, friends and neighbors join in to help install the project while they learn about the importance of native plants and natural shorelines. An added benefit of doing projects this way, is that they are more affordable.
The installation workshops are also an opportunity to create and strengthen communities and their connection with nature. And not only give the people the skills to maintain their project, but also a sense of pride.
Local SWCD offices can fund part of the cost of this kind of projects, I guide people through the process to access these funds. I am located in Aitkin, but I also work in surrounding counties such as Cass, Crow Wing and Pine.
What’s next?
I am getting busier every year with shoreline projects, that is currently my main service. I have done pollinator gardens and that is an area that I would like to expand in my business as well as rain gardens.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://greatrootsllc.com/
- Instagram: @greatrootsllc
- Facebook: @greatrootsllc
