Meet Kimmi Nguyen Lehr

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Kimmi Nguyen Lehr a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Kimmi, thank you so much for joining us. You are such a positive person and it’s something we really admire and so we wanted to start by asking you where you think your optimism comes from?

I was blessed with a happy childhood even though we didn’t have very much in the beginning. My parents often reminded me that while some situations we have no control over, we always have control over our own attitude and how we respond to a situation. In most cases, I am always on the lookout for the good and generally put my attention there. I’ve tried to pass along this attitude to our children, especially since they have to manage multiple severe food allergies and focusing on what they miss out on rather than what they get to enjoy could be very disheartening.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

At Nurtured Garden Studio, my mission is to help individuals, families, and businesses create intentional garden spaces that inspire peace, connection, and growth—spaces that nurture both people and the land. Rooted in the values of cura personalis (care for the whole person) and agere contra (choosing what is life-giving), my work blends beauty and practicality to bring kitchen gardens, pollinator habitats, and edible landscapes to life—right in our own backyards and community spaces.

What excites me most is watching a client’s confidence grow as their garden begins to thrive. Whether it’s a busy parent who wants their children to experience the wonder of pulling carrots from the soil, a local café growing herbs for their seasonal menu, or a retirement home or hospital looking to create a calming green space for rest and reflection—I love collaborating to turn those dreams into a grounded, flourishing reality.

Through consultations, custom designs, personalized planting plans, plant shopping, coaching, and planting sessions, I walk alongside my clients every step of the way. It’s not about chasing a picture-perfect garden—it’s about cultivating something deeply personal and sustaining, even in the midst of life’s busyness.

This fall, I’m especially looking forward to hosting a few small garden tours and group plant shopping sessions. These are always such a joy, especially because so many people are surprised to learn that fall is one of the best seasons to garden here in our region. It’s a great time to be inspired, get your hands in the soil, and see firsthand what’s possible.

I truly believe our world needs more places that ground us, nourish us, and bring us together—and I’m honored to help create more of them.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

Looking back, I’d say three qualities that have been most impactful in my journey are:

1. The ability to pivot and find your own way.
There’s rarely a clear, linear path when you’re building something meaningful. Being able to adapt, get creative, and chart your own course—especially when things don’t go as planned—has been essential. Sometimes the most beautiful parts of the journey come from unexpected detours.

2. A collaborative spirit and commitment to community.
While I run my business independently, I’ve learned how much strength and joy there is in working with others—whether that’s partnering with local businesses, supporting fellow creatives, or helping clients feel seen and heard. Building something in community, not isolation, makes the work richer and more sustainable.

3. A growth mindset and belief that you can do hard things.
There have been plenty of moments that felt intimidating—from tackling new design software to learning how to manage installations and budgets—but continuing to learn, ask questions, and take small, steady steps forward has made all the difference. Growth often begins right at the edge of our comfort zones.

For anyone early in their journey: trust that it’s okay not to have it all figured out. Start with what you know, stay curious, and let yourself evolve. Seek out mentors or peers you can learn from, and don’t be afraid to try, even if it feels messy at first. Progress comes from showing up with heart and being willing to grow as you go.

One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?

Yes, I’m always open to thoughtful partnerships and collaborations—especially with individuals or businesses who share a love for nature, wellness, creativity, and community.

I’m most drawn to projects that feel intentional and values-aligned, whether that’s designing meaningful garden spaces, connecting through shared content, or exploring ways to inspire others to grow—both in the garden and in life. I also deeply value opportunities to serve the community and help create spaces that offer beauty, nourishment, and connection to those who need it most.

I’d especially love to connect with local collaborators, including:
– Builders who create custom cedar, stone, or powder-coated raised beds
– Metalworkers and artisans who design trellises or garden structures
– Irrigation specialists to help bring client gardens to life and keep them thriving
– Wholesale growers I can source plants from for client installations
– Nurseries open to welcoming clients for guided plant shopping trips
– Landscapers and realtors interested in incorporating culinary or pollinator-friendly gardens
– Local cafés, restaurants, yoga studios, and wellness clinics interested in promoting a garden-to-table or nature-connected lifestyle
– Artists or makers who create unique plant markers or garden accessories
– Native plant specialists, permaculture designers, and rain garden experts—both to learn from and to refer clients to when their expertise is a better fit

If you’re reading this and feel like our values align, I’d love to hear from you! You can reach me through my website nurturedgardenstudio.com, email me at nurturedgardenstudio@gmail.com, or connect on Instagram @nurturedgardenstudio.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://NurturedGardenStudio.com
• Instagram: @NurturedGardenStudio
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1GLXT9Fffb/?mibextid=wwXIfr