Biophilic Entrepreneurs

Our students’ award-winning biophilic business idea is helping to boost mental health in the local community.

A group of enterprising Sixth Form students are selling DIY terrariums – self-sustaining ‘mini gardens’ in upcycled glassware – to highlight the importance of connecting with nature to help improve people’s wellbeing. All profits will go to support the local mental health charity, Mind in Camden.

The group of Lower Sixth students – Irene, Jenny, Daniella, Giulietta, Amalia, Dilara and Suchita – developed the idea as part of the Leadership Enterprise Advanced Diploma (LEAD), established by the Girls’ Day School Trust in partnership with LSE Generate, the entrepreneurial arm of the London School of Economics and Political Sciences. The programme aims to encourage young women to develop their skills as entrepreneurs and future leaders.

The girls’ venture, TerraCasa, offers everything needed to create a mini ecosystem in upcycled glassware, including activated charcoal, soil and a choice of plants: ferns, cacti, succulents and air plants. Research suggests plant life can offer a myriad of positive effects, helping to reduce stress, improve air quality, and support mental health.

TerraCasa’s CEO, Irene, commented: “We wanted to develop an eco-friendly business that makes a genuine difference to people’s lives and give back to the local community. The bottled gardens don’t even require watering, so are an ideal way for anyone to introduce some low-maintenance greenery into their homes or offices. We are proud to be supporting a local charity whose values align with our own and want to raise as much money as possible to help fund services for those with serious mental health needs.”

Mind in Camden provides wellbeing and mental health services to over 1000 people each year and has been recognised by the Camden Climate Alliance for its commitment to sustainable solutions.

The mini terrarium kits were recently featured in the Ham & High and are available to order online: www.terracasa.co.uk The students presented their idea at the GSDT LEAD showcase, up against teams from across the UK, where they picked up the People’s Choice Award.