Imani Goines is a full-time artist, plantologist, and passionate nurturer of life, rooted in Los Angeles. As a creative force, Imani has honed their expertise in blending artistic mediums with nature, excelling in creative set designs, interior design, and even sewing and tailoring. This unique fusion of artistry and greenery allows Imani to create spaces that not only thrive but tell stories, weaving together the beauty of plants with the textures of life. Their work is a testament to the boundless ways in which creativity and nature can unite to inspire and transform.

Their journey with plants began in the loving embrace of their Auntie Claire, who planted the seed of curiosity and connection at a young age. Saturdays were sacred, filled with Gospel music, the gentle rustle of leaves, and moments spent wiping down each plant in Auntie Claire’s collection. These rituals were more than chores—they were lessons in care, patience, and the art of tending to life.

Imani’s path led them to Howard University, where they flourished in Washington, D.C., a city that held their heart for seven transformative years. There, they seamlessly intertwined their lifelong passion for plants and spirituality, building a foundation of knowledge that they poured into the community. As a manager and consultant in the plant world, Imani went beyond selling plants; they cultivated relationships, empowering individuals to find joy and healing through greenery.

At The Golden Gardens, Imani offers more than just greenery—they extend the branch of wisdom, teaching workshops to demystify plant care and show that a green thumb is attainable for everyone. For Imani, caring for plants is a sacred act, a reflection of self-care. "When your cup is full," they often say, "that’s when true commUNITY can finally take its form." Through each leaf, Imani guides others back to themselves, creating a ripple effect of growth, healing, and unity.

Imani envisions The Golden Gardens as an artistic safe space for all—a garden not just of plants but of connection, creativity, and freedom. Just as a garden begins with the smallest seed, every individual contribution nourishes the collective, allowing all to reap the benefits of shared growth over time.

With every installation, workshop, and conversation, Imani is using plants to help people rediscover themselves, one leaf at a time. Their work is a testament to the idea that a thriving plant mirrors a thriving spirit—rooted, resilient, and ever-reaching for the light.