Art & Life with Armando Soto

Today we’d like to introduce you to Armando Soto.

Armando, please kick things off for us by telling us about yourself and your journey so far.
My name is Armando, but everyone calls me Mando. I am almost 38… and I have an awesome identical twin brother and two sisters. Mom and dad are great people and still live in the house I grew up…

I grew up in a tiny farm town called Aguila, Arizona. It was in this tiny community where I developed my love for plants. Agriculture was everyone around me! Growing up at my parent’s house, I was surrounded by a pecan tree, grapes, pomegranates, peaches, grapefruits, oranges, lemons, limes, and other delicious fruit trees. We also had all kinds of spices; cilantro, oregano, “chiles,” tomatoes, onions to name a few,

One of my favorite things in our backyard, besides all the fruits and veggies, was that an entire part of our fence was made of Nopales a.k.a prickly pear cactus. Nopales with pork and chile colorado (red chile) is by far one of my favorite meals… Another favorite backyard attraction was our gigantic Saguaro that still stands tall and strong.

I actually took Botany, the study of plants, in High School. In college, I thought of majoring in Agriculture but went with Business Administration and Management instead. Although I did not get a degree in Botany and/or any related field, my love for plants has never changed, and it’s only getting stronger. I know more about cacti, succulents, and air plants than I could possibly have imagined. And, I am still learning.

Can you give our readers some background on your art?
Raicesroots is an artisan production company that specializes in home decor, patio, and garden goods. Most of our items are hand-made here in Arizona by local artists. Our designs are unique, simple, warm and timeless. We have a style for everyone.

Our mission is to provide goods that set the scene of warmth, kindness, and good nature at your already beautiful home. This is what we believe. It’s a mission statement.

I say “we” because even though I am the owner and designer, my family has helped me make Raicesroots what it is today! It truly is a family run and based company.

Most recently, we have started networking and doing a lot of work with local restaurants at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess. However, I wanted to wholeheartedly thank Jill from Highland Yard Vintage Market and Anthony from Local Trade AZ, who believed in me when I was just beginning the trade. A huge shout out to Dan and Jessa from the Gilbert Farmers Market who welcomed me into their family with arms wide opened. Right now, I am also selling product(s) with my awesome friends Emily from Sweetz Cold Brew and Curtis from Galeana 39. We love collaborating with other local vendors and artisans like Its A Barn Wood Thing and The L Wood by Lucy. We love and support local as much as we can, this is our message and inspiration! We want to continue to grow and continue to network with our friends here in our communities.

My art is unique in the fact and sense that you’re not only buying the plant? People can sell you a cactus, succulents, or air plants. However, I pride myself and teaching and helping the client understand what it is they are buying. I teach them about the names, where the plants come from, and most importantly, how to take care of them. People enjoy and love coming to our events and create their own planters. We have ready to buy and go items, OR you can build your own unique planter to take home with you or give away as a gift by choosing your planter and the planters you want. We are known for our “Succulent Bar” style at the Gilbert Farmers Market.

Hand picking every plant I use, sell, and plant, makes a huge difference. I hope people understand and can take away that art is just that, creating… maybe not the perfect piece, but something that will look perfect in your home. That’s what makes me happy… I thrive in knowing that someone has made a connection not only with me but with every piece they take home.

We also host classroom-based workshops. They are always easy to follow, and the main objective is for everyone to have a great time while learning about succulents, cacti, and air plants. During the make and take, each participant selects their own unique vessel and plants in order to learn and create their own masterpiece.

AND, we do custom weddings and parties. We do beautiful floral arrangements for brides and their bridesmaids and boutonnieres for grooms and their groomsmen.

In a nutshell, my artwork is to help others make their own artwork.

In your view, what is the biggest issue artists have to deal with?
Sadly, there’s a part of me who believes people don’t support or love art? At times, I feel as, though, people still haven’t captured the culture and/or need for that cool and local environment.

What’s the best way for someone to check out your work and provide support?
I am at the Gilbert Farmers Market every Saturday morning from 7am-11am during the summer and from 8am-noon during winter hours.

I am one of the designers at Highland Yard Vintage Market in Chandler. This is an awesome four-day event once a month. We usually do our market on the first or second weekend of the month.

I sell at Sweetz Cold Brew Coffee Co., in Gilbert, which is opened seven days a week.

I sell at Galeana 39 in Phoenix, which is opened Tuesday-Saturday from 11am-4pm.

I am also a designer and vendor at Local Trade AZ, which is ran by interior designer Anthony (Tony) Smith.

Most recently, I have been the coordinator for Bloom Boutique AZ, which I love. It is our biggest fundraiser for our youth ministries at Crossroads Nazarene Church in Chandler.

Contact Info:

• Address: Gilbert Farmers Market
  222 N Ash St.
  Gilbert, AZ 85234
• Website: Under Construction
• Phone: 9285804182
• Email: raicesroots2016@gmail.com
• Instagram: Raicesroots
• Facebook: Raicesroots

Getting in touch: VoyagePhoenix is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.