From preserved moss art to hands-on botanical workshops, this Austin entrepreneur is finding creative ways to connect people with nature.
There is something special about bringing a little of the outdoors inside. For Austin entrepreneur Monika Devriese, that idea has become the foundation of Moss Design House, a creative business specializing in preserved moss art, custom green walls, and botanical experiences.
With a love for interior design and working with her hands, Monika found herself drawn to the possibilities of preserved moss. Unlike traditional greenery, preserved moss offers the natural beauty of plants without the ongoing maintenance, making it an unexpected design element for homes, offices, and gathering spaces.
Although Monika has worked with preserved moss for eight years, she officially launched Moss Design House in January 2026, turning a longtime creative passion into a business.
From Creative Passion to Growing Business
For Monika, the inspiration behind Moss Design House came from a desire to combine several interests into something meaningful.
"I wanted to build something that combined those passions while creating beautiful, unexpected pieces that transform a space," she shares.
That vision became increasingly tangible when she completed her first large installation.
Seeing her work come to life on a larger scale helped Monika recognize that what began as a creative outlet could become something much bigger.
Today, Moss Design House creates custom pieces for businesses, interiors, and events, bringing an organic element into spaces through thoughtful, modern design.
Building a Business While Balancing Life
Like many entrepreneurs, Monika's journey has required balancing ambition with everyday responsibilities.
Building a business while working full-time and raising a family has been one of her greatest challenges.
The experience has taught her the importance of managing her time intentionally, maintaining consistency, and continuing to move forward even when progress feels slow.
Behind each finished installation is a process that many people never see. From sourcing materials and constructing the foundation to carefully shaping each detail by hand, creating preserved moss art requires planning, patience, and craftsmanship.
For Monika, seeing those pieces installed in spaces where people can experience them is among her proudest accomplishments.
More Than Art on a Wall
While custom installations are central to Moss Design House, Monika is also creating opportunities for people to experience the creative process themselves.
Her botanical centerpiece workshops invite participants to slow down, work with natural materials, and create something beautiful to take home.
The workshops offer more than a finished piece. They provide an opportunity to step away from everyday routines, connect with others, and enjoy the simple satisfaction of making something by hand.
It's an approach that reflects Monika's larger philosophy: design should feel personal, intentional, and connected to the people experiencing it.
Inspired by Austin's Creative Community
Austin's combination of entrepreneurship, artistic expression, and design has helped shape Monika's vision for the business.
She sees the city's creative energy as an invitation to think bigger, collaborate with other businesses, and develop experiences that reflect the character of the community.
Looking ahead, Monika plans to continue expanding both sides of Moss Design House, growing her custom installations while introducing more people to botanical creativity through workshops.
For a business still in its early stages, the possibilities are wide open.
And for Monika, that's part of the excitement: watching a creative idea take root and grow into something that brings beauty and connection to the places people live, work, and gather.
Discover Moss Design House
Website: https://mossdesignhouse.com/
Instagram: @moss.design.house
Location: Austin, Texas