Our Beginnings

We are Nicole & Bryan. Two people who's paths were merged through our own connections to plants. 

Nicole’s path began at a young age. Her upbringing deeply shaped her purpose-driven passions. Growing up, she was inspired by the women in her family that worked within the modern healthcare system, which led her to dream of becoming a doctor. As a teenager, her path shifted when she discovered her passion for plant medicine. She envisioned merging herbalism with psychology to create a holistic approach to mental health, which led her to earn a clinical psychology degree.

After college, her own healing journey opened the path to dive into learning and practicing traditional medicine. She soon stepped into her calling to support others in multidimensional ways through clinical herbalism, birth work, and bodywork.

Bryan's path began in 2018 after his abuelita, Mama Lisa, healed from Stage 4 terminal stomach cancer through the support of Guanabana commonly known as Soursop, holistic lifestyle changes and allopathic medicine. Once Mama Lisa was back on her feet, she asked Bryan for help planting soursop seeds in the patio garden. Mama Lisa has always been a land tender. It was innate for her to begin planting the seeds of the relative that saved her life. 

Soon enough, with Mama Lisa’s green thumb, over 500 seedlings sprouted.  Once the patio became a jungle it was Bryan's call to start offering Soursop seedlings. This opened a path for him. While offering these plants he realized that most of his customers were loved ones of or people that were also experiencing cancer. They were all seeking support just like Mama Lisa. Through this, Bryan began to see the importance of growing his traditional medicines and sharing his learned wisdom. This is when he dove deep into growing and learning about medicinal plants and fruits from his homelands.

Where are We now?

We are now located in Tijuana River Valley in San Diego, California (Kumeyaay land). Our urban jungle stands by indigenous agriculture practices, sometimes termed 'permaculture.' Permaculture is a holistic and intentional way of working with the land. This means we are focused on enriching the soils health by actively supporting the health of microorganisms, planting diverse and the restoration of healthy ecosystems. Some ways in which we do this is by having little to no till methods, incorporating perennials and following organic, regenerative farming practices naturally.  We are currently growing medicinal botanicals, seasonal fruits & veggies, and fruit trees. Additionally, a portion of our space is dedicated to our nursery, workshops and events.

Our Goals

Our goal is to support in opening the path to connection between people, plants and place. It's important for us to recognize that we are all one with the land and all relatives. The well being of ourselves is an extension to the well being of our Mother Earth.  This work is ancestral and important for the generational wealth & health of everyone. We hope that this work will continue to encourage people to have conversations surrounding food as medicine, food security, food diversity, ancestral foods, and land based practices for wellness and wealth.  

Abriendo Caminos is a POC owned urban farm & botánica. We offer medicinal botanicals, food as medicine and holistic support for land & body wellness.