Meet Heather Linden

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Heather Linden. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Heather below.

Heather, we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.

Honestly, it took many cycles of burning down and rising up to find my purpose. I began my educational journey shaped by society’s expectations. As an artist, creator, and visionary, I was told that none of those passions could support me. So, I went to school to become a teacher—an art teacher. But as I experienced the system, I realized it wasn’t fostering true individuality in students or teachers. That was my first big lesson: do what you feel in your heart is right, no matter the social pressures or misunderstandings. I left the path of teaching.

My next step was culinary school. I loved cooking for people, but just when I was ready to start, the school I’d chosen in Denver couldn’t open its doors. From that experience came lesson two: trust the process and be patient. The path you think is right might not be ready for you, and that’s okay.

With my financial aid lined up and feeling the pressure to get a “real” career started, I entered interior design school. There, I found my tribe: creatives and out-of-the-box thinkers. Interior design felt familiar, and I was good at it—really good. But even though I kept cooking for friends and family, that passion got sidelined in favor of what was right in front of me. As I honed my skills, I found myself drawn to sustainable design. My favorite class in college had been an environmental design course where we learned about Earthships and farming. Looking back, I wish I’d paid closer attention to that early spark. But sometimes, growth requires us to travel winding paths.

I earned internships, won design awards, and discovered a talent my parents could be proud of. My dream was to move to New Mexico to work with Michael Reynolds on Earthships or head to Santa Cruz to design sailing vessels. But life shifted: I fell in love, and my partner’s career brought us to Las Vegas. I thought, This will be exciting! Finding a job as an interior designer in hospitality was easy. I landed my first position with a well-known firm that handled projects like the Bellagio and the Las Vegas Motor Speedway.

The reality was intense. The competition, the heat, the pace—all of it was extreme. I’d dreamed of designing eco-friendly spaces, and suddenly I was in the heart of Vegas’s luxury-driven landscape. It was nothing like the world of nature where I felt most at home. Still, Vegas has its unique beauty, and there are stunning spaces there I wish I’d had time to explore.

After years of 60-to-80-hour work weeks, lesson three became clear: don’t trade your soul’s desires for money. Time is precious and irreplaceable. We eventually moved back to Colorado, where I was able to reconnect with family as I prepared for the birth of my only child. I continued working in residential design—easy enough after the demands of Vegas.

Balancing life as a wife, mother, and professional was a new, exhilarating challenge, yet it came with its own extremes. Lesson four revealed itself: living solely for others, without recognizing your own worth, isn’t sustainable. Burnout isn’t a badge of honor, and busyness can be a form of self-neglect. After 18 years in a relationship that wasn’t healthy, I went through my biggest burn: divorce. From that, I learned to value myself and trust my worth. It was transformative.

Today, my journey continues. Every day, I let go of old patterns to live more authentically. Life’s twists and turns have brought me back to nature, where I now create beautiful spaces and experiences for others and myself. I’ve come to accept that the fires—both literal and metaphorical—are always burning, clearing the way for something new. Rising up means finding joy in the process, every day. This is life’s rhythm: burning down and rising up.

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?

In a world often clouded by disappointment, it’s easy to lose sight of the most important relationship we have—the one with ourselves. As someone deeply passionate about self-discovery and community connection, I’ve learned that even the toughest experiences can lead us closer to our true selves. It’s through this journey that we find our purpose and learn to love ourselves unconditionally.
A piece of art in my laundry room perfectly captures this sentiment: “Do what you love, even if it is doing laundry.” It’s a simple yet profound reminder to embrace the things that bring us joy, no matter how mundane they may seem. Life isn’t always easy, nor does it conform to our curated social media lives. Yet, in those moments of stillness and reflection, we often discover the strength and resilience that reside within us.
My mission has always been to create spaces that nurture the mind, body, and soul. As the founder of Sagrada Botanical Gardens and a partner at Gaia Inspired Design & Consulting, I strive to cultivate environments that foster connection, growth, and regenerative methodology. Both ventures focus on integrating regenerative practices, supporting local economies, and honoring the wisdom of both new and traditional ways of living through permaculture.
At Sagrada Botanical Gardens, we are dedicated to stewarding the land with regenerative methods that promote healthy ecosystems. Our aim is to provide experiences that educate and connect people to their roots and surroundings. In a society that often feels disconnected from nature, we offer a sanctuary for reconnection—a place where nature is not just a backdrop but a source of healing.
As we reflect on the close of our 2024 season, we are excited about the expansion of our community gardens and the introduction of our CSA offerings for heirloom edible flowers and medicinal plants. Our goal is to preserve these varieties for future generations. Additionally, I’ve been sharing my love for cooking through Heather’s Secret Kitchen, hosting pop-up lunches that celebrate seasonal ingredients and community togetherness. Sign up for our newsletter to stay updated on these special events!
Gaia Inspired is equally committed to enhancing our built environments. We believe that how we design our interiors can profoundly impact our well-being. Our focus is on creating beautiful, functional spaces that harmonize with nature, allowing both people and the environment to thrive. We offer design services and consultations across California, Colorado, and Italy, always with the aim of helping individuals live their best lives through thoughtful design.
As we embark on this journey together, let us remember that supporting one another in our endeavors is essential to fostering healthy lifestyles and communities. In the spirit of reciprocity, let’s embrace our passions and cultivate the connections that nourish us all.
Join us in creating a future where love for ourselves and our environment flourishes. Together, we can inspire one another and build a more regenerative world.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Reflecting on my journey, three qualities have profoundly shaped my path: trust, the cultivation of a supportive community, and the practice of non-judgment. Each of these areas has been instrumental in navigating both the darkest valleys and the most expansive peaks of my life.
Trust has emerged as the cornerstone of my growth. It’s not just about trusting others but, more importantly, trusting myself. This inner trust has provided me with the strength to face challenges head-on, enabling me to step into the unknown with confidence. For those early in their journeys, I encourage you to cultivate this skill by setting small, achievable goals and honoring your commitments to yourself. Celebrate each victory, no matter how minor, to reinforce your self-trust.
Cultivating a Supportive Tribe
Another crucial element has been the creation of a tribe—a circle of individuals who align with and challenge my experiences. This community can be vast or intimate; what matters is its authenticity. Sometimes, you may find yourself on this journey solo, and that is equally valid. Recognizing that both good and bad moments coexist is essential. When surrounding yourself with supportive individuals, seek those who encourage growth and offer constructive feedback. Engage in conversations that allow for vulnerability and openness, fostering deeper connections.
Non-judgment has been a transformative tool in my life, helping me navigate the complexities of human relationships. Understanding that blame and judgment often stem from our own unmet needs can lighten the emotional load we carry. This awareness allows us to engage with our experiences more compassionately, without allowing negativity to define us. For those looking to develop this quality, practice mindfulness and self-reflection. Spend time in silence—whether in nature or through meditation—to create space for forgiveness, both for yourself and others.
As you embark on your own journey, remember that cultivating trust, building a supportive community, and practicing non-judgment are invaluable tools. Embrace each moment with compassion and understanding, knowing that your path is uniquely yours. By honoring your journey and the journeys of others, you can create a ripple effect of growth and healing that benefits not only yourself but your community as well.

Is there a particular challenge you are currently facing?

Right now, my number one challenge is sharing my thoughts and visions through technology and social media. Let’s just say I’m not exactly the poster child for tech efficiency! Bridging the gap between our digital world and meaningful connection can feel like a high-wire act—especially when I’m trying to expand my reach and knowledge to a wider audience.
To tackle this, I’ve joined several AI groups and tech meet-ups to get a better grasp of the industry and learn how to use these tools to enhance the connection between humans and nature. I’ve had some amazing people come into my life who’ve helped me navigate this tech maze, and I’m so grateful for those moments when I can focus on what I love instead of wrestling with technology.
And let me tell you, some days just getting through the “remember your password” phase can make me want to launch my laptop into orbit! I’ve even had Elders suggest I should steer clear of technology altogether, but that’s not exactly an option in today’s world.
I truly believe that the blend of past wisdom and future innovation will make this process a lot smoother. It’s all about trust—trusting myself to embrace these tools without letting them overwhelm me. Here’s to navigating this tech tango and finding my rhythm!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://sagradabotanical.com/
• Instagram: sagrada_botanical_gardens
• Facebook: Sagrada Botanical Gardens
• Linkedin: Heather Linden
• Other: https://gaiainspired.com/