Known for her passion for bringing greenery into urban spaces and helping people reconnect with nature, Emma Terrell has built a thriving business—The Urban Botanist—rooted in creativity, sustainability, and wellness. She shines on Gusto TV’s Inside & Out, where she shares her plant expertise and creative energy. We caught up with Emma to chat about her journey, plant tips, and why following your passion matters.
What inspired you to start The Urban Botanist?
Emma Terrell: I felt disconnected from nature while juggling university and fulltime and part time jobs, so I started building terrariums for a fun escape to reconnect. It was therapeutic—and I knew others would feel the same. I wanted to share this feeling with more friends, family, and beyond that, my community. Surely, I wasn’t the only one who needed this! That’s how The Urban Botanist began.
Was there a moment you knew nature would be your life’s work?
ET: I always knew deep down. As a kid growing up, I wasn’t watching cartoons, I was watching National Geographic. Even in my early years of studying political science in university, I’d tell people, “I want to work in nature.” I didn’t know how, but I followed the feeling.
Do you have a plant with sentimental value?
ET: My first Monstera. It started as a single stem gifted by a stranger at a garden center, and it sparked my plant-curiosity. Now it’s massive and a reminder of how this journey began.
Top tip for bringing greenery into small spaces?
ET: Start simple. Herbs, succulents, or low-maintenance plants like snake plants or pothos are great. And before buying, use your phone to identify the plant and understand its needs—your iPhone’s camera app or Google Lens can help!
Best plant for beginners who forget to water?
ET: Cacti, succulents, snake plants—anything low-maintenance that doesn’t need much attention.
Most common plant mistake?
ET: Overwatering. People kill their plants with love! Think about where your plant naturally grows and try to recreate that environment at home.
What trends are you loving in the plant world?
ET: People are getting more into rewilding and planting native species. I’m also seeing a rise in natural wellness—people reading ingredient labels and choosing organic, toxin-free living.
Benefits of growing your own herbs?
ET: It’s empowering and eco-friendly. You get fresher, more nutritious food, save money, and avoid pesticides and plastic waste.
Any standout moments from filming Inside & Out?
ET: Seeing the set filled with all my favorite things—from bird feeders to crystals—was surreal. It felt like an extension of my passions brought to life.
Favorite part of working with Gusto Studios?
ET: The team! As someone who usually creates content solo, working with such a supportive, excited crew was a dream.
Most rewarding part of your work?
ET: Inspiring the next generation of eco-activists and nature lovers. Recently, a young girl told me she was bullied for loving plants and bugs—and now she feels proud of it after seeing me speak as The Urban Botanist. That moment reminded me why this work matters.
Any exciting projects coming up?
ET: I’m working on a new Gusto show about creative hobbies that I’m excited about! I also recently launched my Rewilding – Sustainable Landscape Design series on YouTube: a series dedicated to transforming outdoor spaces into thriving ecosystems that work with nature rather than against it.
Emma is living proof that when you follow your passion—no matter how unconventional—it can bloom into something beautiful.
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