We had the good fortune of connecting with Todd Schlafer and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Todd, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I was working as an art director for a well known pet toy company and I wasn’t happy there. I had been there for many years and felt like I needed a change. I was talking to my dad and he asked me “If money wasn’t an issue what would you do?” I told him I’d do bonsai, so he said that’s what I should do. We had this same discussion a couple of times and finally, as I was driving to do a bonsai workshop in Nebraska, I told the universe that if they booked me before I left, I’d leave my job to do bonsai for a living. While I was there, the host kept asking me to look at dates for the following year. I said I would, but I was trying to let it happen organically and not for anything. As I was packing to head home, we sat on his porch and he said I should come for five days, two times the following year. We booked dates and he asked me if I needed to first check with my work. I told him I didn’t need to. The universe has shown me my new direction.
Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Bonsai is a practice of patience and care. These ancient trees, and even young trees, need to be cared for every day; if for nothing else, to be observed and see if they need to be watered. What sets me apart from others is that I’m working a lot with trees that have never been styled before into bonsai trees. So I’m giving them their initial look, which sets their “bones” for the rest of their lives. Living in Denver, we also have access to some of the best mountains in the world. I’m able to go and observe old trees and incorporate that information into my art form.
When I first decided to do bonsai full-time, I started cold calling bonsai clubs and bonsai enthusiasts to see if there was any work they needed, or if they were looking for instructors to teach bonsai or do demonstrations. So the first few years, I traveled about 250-280 days per year. It was tough, but I needed to prove myself. During that time I was able to work on a lot of trees and learned that I really didn’t know as much as I thought. That became apparent very quickly, but I trusted the process. Now, I’m building my dream bonsai garden, and having students come to me from all over the U.S. to take classes at my studio.
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 first place I would have taken them to is Casa Bonita. I love that place and can’t wait for it to reopen. After we recovered from eating the food, I’d take them to Mt Evans, Windy Ridge, The Limber Pine Grove, and Rocky Mountain National Park. I love old trees, so I’d take them to some of my favorite areas to see them. Maybe we’d take a trip to Idaho Springs to eat at Beau Jo’s Pizza. But mainly we would spend time in the mountains.
The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My first teacher was Harold Sasaki of Colorado Bonsai. He helped with my enthusiasm and introduced me to my mentor, Ryan Neil who lives in St Helen, Oregon. He is pushing the limits of bonsai design, display and aesthetics. I am grateful to have them as part of my journey.
Website: www.firstbranchbonsai.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/todd_schlafer_bonsai/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FirstBranchBonsai
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGEU08cu4yVoGn41KwRip9A
Image Credits
Photo taken by Todd Schlafer, Arthur Hitchcock and scott lee