We’re looking forward to introducing you to DePhane Marcelle Weaver. Check out our conversation below.
DePhane Marcelle, a huge thanks to you for investing the time to share your wisdom with those who are seeking it. We think it’s so important for us to share stories with our neighbors, friends and community because knowledge multiples when we share with each other. Let’s jump in: Are you walking a path—or wandering?
Our non-profit charity is an extreme garden club who loves to share their talents and help the mission grow. We love the thought of a path in a garden and one that is ever changing as donors step in at the right time. It takes a small army of volunteers to work together as the Seed Libraries and Garden Stands are shared spaces and a community service for all. We’re creating a larger food sovereignty network with these locations.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hello, I am DePhane with the Garden Exchange Stands Org. People who really know me, know I do not like the spotlight. However, as our organization grows I have to show up to public speaking, educational workshops as I plan the events all over Arizona, USA. Living sustainable can be simple as long as people have the knowledge to do so. We hope to inspire people to make small changes in their daily lives because we all need to eat and eventually that will grow into larger ones.
Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. What breaks the bonds between people—and what restores them?
People have their own ideas about others and the world. When we come together at the gardening events we see all different ages, nationalities and beliefs. We embrace the love of gardening and share our lessons we have learned along the way to better one another. We love seeing people connect through growing food, talking garden, or how we collect the rain water in 5 gallon buckets to water our plants. It’s silly, but true.
What’s something you changed your mind about after failing hard?
The name of our non-profit. We kept going back and forth, wanting it to be easy on your lips, but easy and that describes what we’re all about. Once we looked at all the different names we could use, Garden Exchange Stands Org was it. We still catch ourselves saying the old name at times.
Falling, oh yeah as you get older you trip over that garden hose, they’re every where in our yard… tehe
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. How do you differentiate between fads and real foundational shifts?
Sustainable living, permaculture, growing for the wildlife, and learning a basic skill of growing something you will eat needs to be a foundational shift in a young persons life. The fads of today is a bizarre conversation that we all fall into with technology. At times, it is fabulous, and other times you think there is no way this is happening. We love to see the light go off when someone gets something at an educational workshop, it really brings me joy. You know that person will tell others and that build community.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?
Plants have been in my life from a young child. When I look at what my family growing up had in common, my Oma, Grandmother and so on, they all loved growing plants, either inside or out. My dad was on boards and volunteering is part of who he is.
So born to do this kind of thing.
This was a statement from a childhood neighbor that came knocking at our door. My husband said, he said… that Dee Dee, my nickname because DePhane is such a weird name growing up. (pronounced DeFaine)… was the nicest person I have ever known. (or something to that effect). You never know what others think about you, but for a person to say that decades later, it touched me. I never would have thought for even a second that guy, mind you, would say something like that. So, I guess I was born to be kind to everyone, share what I know and help others connect. In high school, I was friends will all the different clicks, and still friends with all different clicks of people. I hope that by showing grace to others, it rubs off in our mission to Seed the world with kindness.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://gardenexchangestands.org
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/gardenexchangestandsorg
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@freeplantngardenstandsfami9009
- Other: We are on Twitter and Instagram, Backyard Chicken, I can’t add because I am on my computer.
Image Credits
Garden Exchange Stands Org, Paul Weaver, DePhane Weaver.
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
