Evolving as a business

As I sit in my local library writing this, I reflect on what makes a successful writer.

• Lots of re-drafts.

• The willingness to learn from life.

• The ability to translate experience and feedback into better writing.

I notice a parallel with the process of developing a business. It also takes many iterations — translating experience and feedback into a better business.

Glancing at the BBC Wildlife magazines I’ve borrowed from the shelves, I recognise a familiar metaphor in biological evolution.

What Evolution Teaches

Evolution relies on:

• Plentiful replication and reproduction

• A massive number of ‘trials’

• Adversity and environmental change acting as selection pressures

Over time, variations that fit well with the environment continue. Others fall away. Species change along with their environment. It is a process of repetition, adaptation and persistence.

The Evolution of Nature to You

When I launched Nature to You in 2024, here in Adelaide, South Australia, the business had one simple service — workshops.

Since then, it has evolved. The central message remains the same:

Our relationship with nature is at the heart of wellbeing and resilience. Now the ways I express that message have diversified.

• I still run workshops.

• I now create YouTube videos.

• I continue delivering environmental education.

• I’ve returned to my roots in horticulture and garden design — guiding urban residents in designing outdoor spaces to boost biodiversity.

• I create artwork in celebration of nature.

Working With Uncertainty

I can guess, but not be certain where my work will lead? Creative work requires experimentation and iteration.

Many years ago, I could not have done this. As a young person, uncertainty felt like my enemy — running counter to safety and security. We are conditioned by our culture to prioritise productivity and conformity over creativity.

Now, with more life experience under my belt, I feel ready — and equipped — to work with uncertainty.

Nothing Is Wasted

Every project provides valuable data, whether or not it turns out the way I expected. The process of biological evolution encourages me to:

• Be prolific.

• Avoid over-attaching to any one output or method.

• Keep going after setbacks or silence.

• Stay steady after high points. (Even success can throw you off course if you cling too tightly to it.)

Evolution shows the power of moving onward — of creating, experimenting and making mistakes. Whether I reach an end goal or simply learn a lesson, nothing is wasted.

Just like in nature.