MEET ARIANA
On the 29th July 2025, something special bloomed in the heart of Sierra Leone. Plantmamasl, a homegrown wellness and nature-based initiative, hosted the very first Unplug and Sprout. A one-of-a-kind garden-themed retreat for pre/teens. The idea was simple but powerful: step away from screens, step into nature, and grow from the inside out.
It is no secret that our world is dominated by screens, this event gave teens the rare chance to reconnect with themselves, each other, and the world around them. But it was not just about fun. This was a bold response to a growing mental health crisis linked to too much screen time.
Why We Need to Unplug: The Global Picture
Across the globe, teenagers spend an average of 8 to 10 hours per day glued to screens; most of it outside of schoolwork. According to a study by the World Health Organization, this is directly linked to higher rates of anxiety, poor sleep, low self-esteem, and even depression.
The blue light from screens interferes with natural sleep cycles. Constant notifications lead to overstimulation and attention fatigue. And social media? It often makes teens feel lonely, pressured, or not good enough.
Plantmamasl decided it was time to change the narrative and they are doing it, one garden session at a time.
Why Unplug and Sprout?
“Unplugged” began as a social concept under Plantmamasl. A front yard garden space for curated events designed to help people reconnect with themselves and nature in a screen-saturated world. We launched with adult-focused sessions, where participants gardened, had face-to-face conversations, networked, reflected, and rediscovered the joy of being present.
Then came the “Unplug and Sprout” series, born from a personal revelation: watching my daughter and her friends lost in screens, disconnected from real-world joy. ‘I saw how teens, too, crave spaces to step away from digital noise and reconnect: with themselves, with nature, and with meaningful conversations. Gardening became our anchor; grounding, therapeutic, and a living metaphor for growth’.
‘When we hosted our first teens-only session, the magic was undeniable. Witnessing them trade screens for soil, laughter for likes, and real conversations for Direct Messages confirmed this was not just a trend: it was a necessity. Whether you are 15 or 50, the lesson is the same: true growth begins when we unplug to sprout: literally and figuratively’.
Alitta Ansu-Katta, the heart behind Plantmamasl, is a community catalyst, plant enthusiast, and parenting advocate on a mission to help people cultivate balance in a digital world. What began as intimate gatherings in her garden; where adults could pause and reconnect: has blossomed into a generational movement, now extending to teens who need mindful escapes just as deeply.
About Plantmamasl
‘At its roots, Plantmamasl is about more than just plants; it’s a movement. We inspire people to grow, plant, and transform their spaces: homes, offices, and communities into lush, green sanctuaries. Through our work, we celebrate the profound connection between nurturing plants and nurturing ourselves’.
But this goes beyond aesthetics. Every planted seed is an act of hope. Every tree we grow together is a step toward healing our environment. We believe in the collective power of small actions: planting one tree at a time, beautifying shared spaces, and inspiring others through our social platforms to join this green revolution. Mrs Alitta Ansu- Katta
Through curated events, they will open up their garden to be a space where people of all ages can pause, plant, be inspired. They can also network and grow- away from screens and closer to their truest selves.
What Made ‘Unplug and Sprout’ So Special?
From the moment they arrived, the girls were welcomed into a calm, screen-free zone filled with colours, laughter, and nature’s magic. Read on for what made the day unforgettable:
Paint Your Pot, Plant Your Seed
Each participant painted her own flowerpot, using colours and designs that expressed her personality. Then, they planted a seed- a symbol of personal growth and new beginnings. As one teen said, “I never knew planting something could feel this powerful.”
Journaling with Purpose
Using the Teen Edition of the Live and Lead Your Best Life journal created by Ariana Diaries, the girls wrote down and discussed goals, tracked their moods, and reflected on lessons. With prompts like “Plan It, Rock It, Own It” and “Vibes, Lessons & Little Blessings”, journaling became more than writing. It became a path to self-discovery.
Real Talk About Friendships
Through small-group discussions, teens explored the tricky world of friendships. Learning to spot ‘red flags’ like gossip or pressure, and ‘green flags’ like loyalty and kindness. It was a powerful way to build confidence and emotional intelligence.
Staying Safe in the Digital World
Role-playing activities helped teens learn how to protect their digital identities, create strong passwords, and think before they post. These skills are essential in today’s online world, and the sessions gave girls the courage to ask questions without judgement.
Why It Worked: The Psychology Behind the Plants
Scientific research proves that spending time in nature helps reduce stress, improve focus, and boost happiness, well especially in young people. Gardening, in particular, is known to help manage anxiety, depression, and emotional ups and downs.
When teens use their hands to dig, paint, or plant, they engage parts of the brain responsible for mindfulness and calm. In short, getting dirty in the garden helps them feel better on the inside.
Community Support Made It All Possible
The success of Unplug and Sprout was not just about great ideas. It was about community.
Parents and caregivers showed up with openness and vulnerability. Many for the first time without knowing the organisers just to support their daughters and the vision of Plantmamasl.
MaxBox Media, a leading media company, captured the magic of the day, helping the wider public see the depth, emotion, and value of the event. Their visuals brought Unplug and Sprout to life in ways words alone could not.
And of course, the Plantmamasl team, led by founder Mrs Alitta Ansu – Katta, created a safe space where girls could be themselves, connect, and grow.
Ariana Diaries: Mindset, Lifestyle and Entrepreneurship
Founded by Ariana Oluwole, Ariana Diaries has been empowering people of all ages across Africa since 2018. During this unique collaboration – they piloted their vibrant Teen Edition of ‘The Live and Lead Your Best Life’ journal. This was a perfect match for the event: visually engaging, easy to use, and designed to help teens manage emotions, set goals, and reflect on their journey.
What Is Next for Plantmamasl?
Unplug and Sprout is just the beginning.
Plantmamasl is building a community that blends creativity, and environmental care. By turning gardens into classrooms of life, they are showing everyone how to thrive in real life, not just online.
And the feedback? Off the charts. Many of the teens left saying they could not wait for the next event. Parents shared how their daughters came home more confident, calm, and joyful.
In a world full of pings, posts, and pressures, Unplug and Sprout reminded us all of something simple and powerful:
You grow best when you disconnect from the noise and reconnect with yourself.
Regardless of how you choose to bloom: adult, parent, teacher, or teen. This is your invitation to be part of something greener, kinder, and more mindful.
🌼 Stay Connected with Plantmamasl
Instagram: @plantmamasl
Facebook: Plantmamasl
Email: alitsu2000@gmail.com
Want to join the next Unplug and Sprout? Keep an eye on our pages for updates and registration.
