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The Plant Ecologist

Brand · Accessories

Gabriella de Souza is a plant ecologist and science communicator on a mission to empower green thumbs with the knowledge to grow. Native to Wilmington, North Carolina, Gabriella built The Plant Ecologist to make plant science feel approachable, practical, and worth caring about. Every enamel pin, keychain, and sticker in the collection features a native species, illustrated with scientific accuracy and paired with an informational card so wearers actually learn something about the plant or animal on their bag or keychain. This is a tribute to the native flora and fauna of North Carolina, underlining their ecological significance and the importance of protecting them. Gabriella's designs merge real field-based ecological knowledge with artistic vision. Through her work, she seeks to connect people with nature in an intimate, everyday way — turning a pin or keychain into a small, wearable lesson that sparks curiosity about the plants and wildlife around them. A passionate educator, Gabriella holds a B.S. in Biology and Environmental Sciences and a Master of Science in Biology from UNC Wilmington. With more than a decade of experience in plant science, she is dedicated to sharing her knowledge and helping people grow their own green-thumb confidence.