After working 25 years in the Colombian flower industry, Nancy Montealegre made a bold shift—not to sell roses, but to create pots. And not just any pot. In 2018, she and her family began experimenting with banana leaves to craft their eco-friendly planters designed for potted roses. This vision became a reality in 2021 with the establishment of Montehappy. In the years that followed, both their product range and international presence expanded. So, what makes these pots so special? Nancy explains, "In short, it is a natural, sustainable, and locally made product."

Nancy Montealegre, co-founder and Director of Sales and Strategic Alliances at Montehappy

Guaranteed durability indoors
One of the main benefits of their eco-friendly planters is their long durability, says Nancy. "It can last at least four years in indoor use, provided they are not exposed to direct sunlight and water." Why? "Thanks to their carefully selected composition, these planters maintain their structure and aesthetic appeal for a prolonged period, providing a reliable option for beautifying homes and enclosed spaces."

Reusable and versatile
One of the most outstanding features of these planters is their reusability, she continues. "When a plant completes its life cycle, the planter does not lose its utility; instead, it can be reused to house new plants or serve other creative purposes. This not only contributes to waste reduction but also allows continuous use of the product, maximizing its value and promoting a more eco-friendly lifestyle."

Some of Montehappy's products

Applications in floral decoration
According to Nancy, their eco-friendly planters are also an ideal option as bases for floral arrangements, offering a safe and sustainable support for the presentation of natural or dried flowers. "Their artisanal and natural design complements any decorative style, adding an organic and elegant touch to any environment."

Commitment to the environment
The use of eco-friendly planters reflects a real commitment to the environment. "By choosing biodegradable and sustainable products, we contribute to reducing environmental impact and fostering a circular economy that benefits our planet."

Right: Women making Montehappy products by hand, left: A Colombian peasant with the dry banana leave

Supporting local communities
And Montehappy's commitment to sustainability extends beyond its products. The company prioritizes ancestral techniques and local craftsmanship, ensuring that traditional skills are preserved in an era dominated by industrialization and artificial intelligence. In addition, Montehappy supports Colombian communities in two key ways, namely empowering local f and providing empplpument to women artisans. "We sources our banana leaves from Colombian farmers, providing them with an additional stream of income and reinforcing sustainable agricultural practices and we employ Colombian women to handcraft each planter, offering them stable job opportunities that help support their families."

Increasing demand
It all began with local sales, but in recent years, Montehappy has been expanding its reach internationally. "Our first sales took place at Boho, an organic supermarket in Bogotá, Colombia. From there, we started participating in more exhibitions, including the large Proflora exhibition in Bogotá and international ones like the IFTF in the Netherlands. These opportunities significantly boosted our sales, allowing us to expand into the U.S., Canada, and even Europe. As we continue to develop and diversify our product range, we anticipate further strengthening our global presence."

Source: www.floraldaily.com