Bryan Kang - Founder of PUDICA

'THIS BILDA' is a series that features interviews with creatives and founders in Asia and beyond.

For Bryan Kang, the journey through entrepreneurship is deeply rooted in a love of botany - from the inception of PUDICA, a boutique botanical and landscape design consultancy born out of a period of personal renewal, to nurturing collaborations and community projects that resonate with core values. Bryan reflects on the ebbs and flows of being a founder, sharing insights into overcoming obstacles, revelations, and how to keep your plants alive (or not).

No small talk, how do I keep my plants alive?

You’re lucky I’m terrible at small talk haha! The best way to keep your plants alive is essentially understanding your environment and lifestyle. If you’re a busy person, get plants that tolerate neglect.

Then do your research by asking uncle G (Google)! Look for articles that mention how much water (frequency and quantity), types of soil, light and humidity your plant will require.Check the origin of the article and adapt to where you live.

Also sometimes it does not work out and that’s okay! I, ironically, am terrible at keeping my own plants alive. I like to think the plants that survive are the ones that choose me.

An elegant retail display in a room with terracotta-colored walls. Several wooden shelves are mounted on the wall, neatly lined with dark-colored bottles with labels, interspersed with lush green potted plants draping over the edges. A metallic counter with a built-in sink and various products is positioned in the foreground, reflecting a clean, modern aesthetic.

Credit:  PUDICA

Tell us about your current venture

I currently run a small botanical & landscape design consultancy called PUDICA. I had never thought of starting my own business but plants got me out of a really dark time a couple of years ago. I nerded out hard and taught myself almost everything there was to learn about them. I was in the creative industry at the time but decided to leave to work at a plant shop.

It was here I realised I had an eye for landscaping; it blended my love of plants with my creative background. Before my shift I would sit at a kopitiam thinking about how to share with others what plants had given me. This was the first time in my life I felt I had a calling. I took the leap, left the plant shop and got my company registered officially.

A hand-drawn sketch on brown paper, possibly a design concept, featuring multiple shelves stocked with bottles, flanked by plants with various leaf patterns. The sketch is annotated with red ink, highlighting design elements such as allowing bottles to peek through foliage and noting the plants as the main anchor of the overall design. A pen rests on the page, indicating an ongoing design process.

Credit:  PUDICA

What’s a hard truth you’ve learnt about running a business?

Your work is always a representation of yourself as a business owner. One thing I learned the hard way was not to put too much pressure on myself. I try to remind myself that besides my business, I’m also human and those 2 can overlap sometimes. For example, I sometimes catch myself reacting to past traumas for work situations.

Remember that your feelings are always valid but it is important to practice compartmentalising. Don’t beat yourself up too hard when something doesn’t go as planned.

What’s been your favourite project so far?

One of the things i really looked forward to when I started my business was to collaborate and work with the people who are close to me. My favourite projects so far are the ones where i get to work with my friends. It just feels so good to do something that I love with the people that I love! It’s the best when I’m able to use my craft to uplift the people around me.

What’s a practical tip that you’d share with someone who is just starting their business?

Having a mission and a vision that you strongly believe in is very important for me. This will be an unconscious driving force in whatever you do. Check-in every once in a while to make sure what you’re doing is aligned with that. But remember that this might change overtime, don’t be afraid of pivoting and adjusting.

Where do you feel most inspired?

Inspiration comes to me at the most random moments. I could be walking along the streets and I’d see a plant growing out the side of a wall and I’d get inspired. Or I’d be deep in a daydream and something would come to me. I guess I feel the most inspired while looking inwards as much as out, if that makes sense.

What’s the most beautiful garden/installation you’ve seen?

The Echoes of Almeda by Harijanto Setiawan at Singapore Garden Festival 2022 showcased some really interesting use of botanicals. I also really enjoyed Vessel Garden by Humid House at the same festival, their use of materials, fixtures, light and sound alongside botanicals was mesmerising.

Alt text: "A cozy interior corner teeming with an assortment of lush houseplants, creating a mini indoor jungle. The plants vary in leaf size and shape, offering a rich tapestry of greens that enhance the natural vibe. In the foreground, a modern black chaise lounge invites relaxation, and a neon sign with a playful design adds a pop of color and light to the serene setting.

Credit:  PUDICA

What does success look like to you?

Being surrounded by people who support each other. Eating, exercising and resting well. Knowing how to have a good time. And of course, a roof over your head.

A dream collab you’d love to land?

I would love to work with physicians and nutritionists to build edible gardens for nursing homes with the intention of gardening activities for the residents to keep them healthy and active.

Learn more about Bryan's work at PUDICA.