GROWING IN THE CONCRETE

Concrete

Within Boston’s dense metropolitan landscape, a glimpse of nature can be encountered on

West Broadway in Southie. Behind marvelous and imaginative window displays, there exists a flourishing environment focused on integrating art, flowers, and plants. This breath of fresh air is known as the Micro Plant Studio. Beginning with a straightforward goal to increase the world’s appreciation for greenery, this business has expanded far beyond its initial intent. They have become a critical component of cultivating communities throughout the greater Boston area.

The Micro Plant Studio was founded in 2017 by Julio César Román. Since its inception, the business has been leading the city towards the future of plant life. Through exploration with 3D printing, Román has developed a unique fusion of art and nature. He uses 3D printing as an instrument to create complex molds and experimental plant holders that would not be achievable through traditional means. Micro Plant Studio is showing the world how we can utilize once environmentally damaging technology to instead nourish nature.

Román is a Boston-based artist who was born in

Mayagüez, Puerto Rico. After moving to the United States, Román lived in Hartford, Connecticut. Soon after, he went on to pursue higher education. He moved to Boston to study at the School of the Museum of Fine Arts at Tufts University, where he received a Bachelor of Fine Arts. Román continued on to graduate school, earning his Master’s in Public Policy. With this education, Román worked for non-profit organizations as well as the Boston Public School system. Even before starting his own business, Román was driven to make this city a better place for the people that live in it.

In 2017 Román needed an unanticipated surgery that would change his life forever. During the recovery period, Román found himself caring for an ever-expanding collection of succulents from his little studio apartment. Through these tough times, Román used plants as a tool to sustain his mental health.

“Through the process of caring for plants, I found hope and light at the end of the tunnel,” Ramos said.

Román began photographing these plants, adorning them with collectibles and toys to complete the scene. This quickly became a dominant medium for his artwork. Inspired by this self-sustaining experience, Micro Plant Studio came to light. Román journey stands as a reflection of Boston’s gritty and resilient attitude and proof that oftentimes the toughest conditions will blossom the most beautiful flowers.

When strolling into the studio, you are instantly immersed in a rejuvenating reality, with an organic presence that is often missing from our daily lives. Boston architect, Elvin Zayas worked collectively with Román to devlope the studio. Drawing upon countless inspirations from nature, the aesthetic of this studio can be defined by its earthy color palette as well as the use of energetic textures and lighting. In an endeavor to expand the studio’s utility, Román created this space with the idea that it would serve a multitude of purposes. One way the studio has done this is by encouraging the local communities. He uses the studio as an innovative environment to explore artistic expression. Román makes his studio space available to a variety of groups: educational, corporate, and nonprofit. As a host, Micro Plant Studio allows these

organizations to have more in-depth discussions about nature or use the space to partake in creative workshops, in addition to displaying the benefits plants and flowers can have on a room.

“What I am trying to do is provide you with an experience,” Román said.

When browsing the showroom it is obvious that the Micro Plant Studio team is constantly and meticulously curating the inventory. The studio offers a diverse collection of greenery that suits all lifestyles and tastes. For personal gardens, the studio sells a mixture of different plants, from miniature succulents to vast sprawling outdoor plants. Their team is also able to create magnificent bouquets and arrangements for any occasion. The brand is most well-known for its exclusive array of whimsical embellishments and unique planters. The studio carries over fifty different types of micro pots and hundreds of decorative plant toys. Along with their extensive inventory of pots, they also accept custom projects and orders. This encourages customers to take advantage of Ramos’s experience and skills to bring their own ideas to life. Whether you are a seasoned gardener or if you have never owned a plant, there is something for you at Micro Plant Studio that can brighten your life.

In a country that is defined by its combination of cultures, Ramos is using his art and platform to express his identity, representing the ideal on which America was founded on. Aside from being a trendsetter in their industry, Micro Plant Studio is making history for being the first Latinxowned and operated plant business in all of New England. Julio Cesar Ramos is the ideal representation of the American dream. He has proved that passion and an idea are all you need.

Born and raised in Puerto Rico, Ramos has developed an incredibly unique perspective regarding the concept of sustainability. This idea is perceived through a hodgepodge of buzzwords and greenwashing. Ramos is using Micro Plant Studio to cut through this noise and shift the conversation. Life in the city can be hard when it feels as though nature is slipping away. As long as we show love to our environments, our communities, and our earth, we can utilize the benefits of the natural world.

“We need to take care of the planet and in return, the planet will take care of us,” Ramos said.

Beyond creating amazing art that can be appreciated in our homes, Ramos hopes that Micro Plant Studio will have a larger influence on the world. He hopes to expand our collective perspective. In a city and world that is increasingly painted gray, Ramos is helping return elements of natural beauty to Boston’s environment. Whether you are just trying to liven up your desk or attempting to learn more about nature, Micro Plant Studio can offer you a dynamic experience. It will undoubtedly impact your thinking about the environment and how we interact with it. Micro Plant Studio is showing Boston’s citizens there is a chance for a greener life.

@microplantstudio; microplantstudio.com

Griffin Bryan

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