Meet Katie Rike: Illustrator & Co-Founder of Grow, Florecita

We had the good fortune of connecting with Katie Rike and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Katie, do you have some perspective or insight you can share with us on the question of when someone should give up versus when they should keep going?
How to know whether to keep going or to give up? First of all, you’ve got to get very clear about what means the most to you. Life is about tradeoffs— I’m really learning now more than ever — so you need to choose what your top priorities are in life. Once you are certain about what it is you desire, then you water, water, water that desire. Everything on this planet abides by the law of gestation, meaning every living organism needs time to develop. The same applies to our own self, our businesses, our relationships, our dreams. This is what Grow, Florecita is really all about. We must continuously get clear on the life we truly desire to live, and then continue to c l e a r o u t everything else that is distracting focus from creating that life. It’s the continuous bloom and prune. It’s the process. It’s beautiful. Don’t rush it too much. If the thing that you are dreaming about and chasing is true to you, then continuously prune out the distractions, and have faith in the law of gestation and divine timing. Until you become clear about what your dreams are, you’ll continue to allow distractions to steal your attention. Bottom line: GIVE UP the distractions, and KEEP GOING in the direction of your actual dreams.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I am very excited about some upcoming projects! I have a few new murals in the works, as well as some new storefront retail projects. Some of the seeds that I planted 3 years ago, with my power partners + within myself, are finally now bearing fruit. Of course, within those 3 years, many ideas were brought to fruition, many lessons were learned, and various challenges have been overcome. My art — mostly revolves around the process of growth. Growth is not easy. Decay is maybe easier, although it gives me major anxiety to feel any form of stagnancy. Through challenges, I surrender and I look for the bigger picture of where I am going. And then I continue.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
The beautiful thing about LA in particular is all the diverse micro events going on throughout the city at any given time. Ideally, I’d start my day in a cool coffee shop within the Arts District. In that area, there are random little warehouse art galleries + pop up shops. I love walking around to discover new spaces, galleries, murals, and cool architecture. You really never know what you may stumble upon. After that, I’d spend some time in a park, or any grassy area with a nice view. The Getty Museum is one lovely place to spend an afternoon. For a pick-me-up, Moon Juice is one of my favorites — especially the one on Melrose. Vromage on Sunset is the best for plant based cheese / sandwiches. For the evening, LA hosts an infinite amount of intimate live music events. The more intimate, the better — especially these days. Basically, anywhere where people are expressing their creativity are the most exciting and interesting places to check out — be that with food, music, art, performance. As well as anywhere I can be surrounded by trees + nature. Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Wow, it is very true that we are, at least partially, who we are and where we are thanks to the people around us and thanks to our teachers. Of course, I credit my parents + family first and foremost. The older I get, the more I see how they have molded me + supported / watered my growth. My business partner / the author of Grow, Florecita, Grow — Mayra Ochoa Stewart has also been an incredible inspiration to me over the years, through her powerful authenticity + voice, and connection to nature + plant medicine. As for books, “Essentialism” by Greg McKeown is one that is ringing within me right now. My boyfriend (another source of support + love) recommended it to me many times before my life experiences forced me to finally sit down to read this life-changing book and begin implementing its message.

Website: growflorecita.com
Instagram: katierike / growflorecita
Youtube: growflorecita