WELCOME
Meet James, Founder of Pistils & Pollen
I’m James Mastaler, PhD—an educator, content creator, and entrepreneur building Pistils & Pollen, a plant care lifestyle brand and digital platform that helps everyday people become extraordinary plant parents.
What began as a passion for houseplants has evolved into a growing ecosystem of educational content, commerce, and community:
- The Pistils & Pollen app connects users through plant care Q&As, video lessons, and a vibrant member forum.
- My digital course, Houseplant Essentials: A Beginner's Guide to Plant Care, introduces beginners to the fundamentals of plant care with an emphasis on cultivating confidence and joy.
- Our online shop and merch line features curated plants, accessories, and botanical lifestyle products that extend the brand experience into everyday life.
Everything I create is designed to foster connection—not just between people and plants, but among plant lovers themselves.
With a combined audience of 400K+Â across Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube, Pistils & Pollen is well-positioned to become the go-to destination for community-driven plant care content, products, and support.
Purpose
We help people reconnect with nature, starting right at home—with the plants they care for and the stories they grow.
Joy
Plant care isn’t a chore—it’s a daily ritual that sparks joy, builds confidence, and brings life to your space.
Community
We’re cultivating a community of plant lovers rooted in shared learning, encouragement, and a collective passion for growth.
My Roots
Before launching Pistils & Pollen, I spent over a decade as an academic and nonprofit leader exploring the intersection of ecology, social justice, and community care. I hold a PhD specializing in religion & ecology, with earlier degrees in Social Justice and Environmental Studies.
My work has taken me from UN climate conferences and international development projects to field research across North America and beyond. I’m a trained naturalist, an amateur birder, and a writer deeply committed to helping people rediscover the joy and meaning found in caring for the living world.
Pistils & Pollen is where all of that experience comes together—inspiring a new generation of plant lovers, educators, and everyday ecologists.
Pistils & Pollen is a community of everyday people becoming extraordinary plant parents—through shared learning, joyful rituals, and support that grows with you.
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