Born in Kyoto and raised in Tokyo, Rachael grew up immersed in the vibrant urban life of Japan, where the beauty of traditional gardens and a rich history of ornamental horticulture left a lasting impression. From an early age, she was captivated by the transformative power of botanical design in city spaces.

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Rachael's hands-on horticultural journey began when she volunteered with WWOOF, where she gained practical experience working on farms. This formative experience deepened her passion for plants and led her to become the head of the CSA program at Cultivate the City in Washington, D.C. There, she not only cultivated edible plants but also became deeply involved in caring for both exotic and common houseplants.

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After relocating to New York City, a serendipitous meeting with industry veterans Barry Jacobs and Warren Hertzberg set the stage for the creation of Earthborn Design in 2024. With over 50 years of expertise, Barry and Warren mentored Rachael, helping her turn her vision for the company into a reality.