Creating a vision with your own hands allows you to immerse yourself in a world of creativity, where time and thought blend effortlessly into the work that consumes you. It is in these moments of creative work that you discover solace and a therapeutic escape that not only creates beauty but also feeds the soul.
This is the story of Moss Escape, and of Brian and Lissa Dimarucot, a husband-and-wife team whose lives took an unexpected turn, leading them to create something beautiful out of personal tragedy. More than just a terrarium business, Moss Escape has become a tribute, a therapy, and a story of finding light in the darkest of times.
From heartache to healing
The journey into the world of miniature landscapes began with an unimaginable loss. Brian and Lissa’s four-year-old daughter, Juliana, passed away a year and nine months ago, forever leaving a void in the couple’s life. The grief was overwhelming, but instead of succumbing to it, Brian and Lissa sought solace in an unusual place – the world of terrariums.
"I was trying to imagine where she is, and I was reading a book at that time called Imagine Heaven," Brian says, recalling the early days after Juliana’s passing. Inspired by the book, which describes near-death experiences and the Eden-like places people see, Brian began to create these miniature paradises. The lush greenery and serene landscapes were his way of visualizing Juliana’s resting place.
The birth of Moss Escape
What started as a personal project quickly turned into something more. Brian and Lissa’s friends and family were moved by the intricate, story-filled landscapes they were creating. They encouraged them to share their work with a broader audience. Thus, Moss Escape was born.
Moss Escape is not like most terrarium businesses. While most terrarium makers focus on a variety of plants, Brian’s creations primarily feature moss, hence the name. He loves working with the medium because it scales properly with the landscapes he imagines.
"You create your own paradise, like a miniature paradise at home. So that's still the central part of what Moss Escape is," Brian explains. Each terrarium is a miniature world, a snapshot of paradise that invites contemplation and offers solace.
A unique approach to terrariums
Brian’s previous background in aquascaping – the art of creating landscapes in aquariums – gave him a unique perspective and skill set that he translated into his terrarium work. The process of creating these landscapes is both an art and a science. Brian carefully selects the type of mosses and other elements such as rocks, often sourcing them from nature or specialized suppliers. Early on, he would even collect moss from places like his old village in Quezon City and his old home’s fish pond. He recalls how during a stay, he first took moss from a spot in Anvaya Beach Club, asking permission from the groundskeepers. Now, he has suppliers who provide him with the specific types of moss he needs, including pincushion moss and cat’s tails moss.
Workshops and community
One of the most significant aspects of Moss Escape is the workshops Brian conducts. These are classes on how to build a terrarium but they also serve as therapeutic sessions where participants can share their stories and find comfort in the creative process.
Brian frequently begins workshops by sharing his own story about Juliana. He does this not only to explain his unique approach to the craft but also to help the participants understand the activity’s personal significance. In this light, he inadvertently transforms workshops into a shared storytelling experience.
He has created a space where others feel safe to open up about their own grief and healing journeys. "I've had participants who are dealing or who dealt with grief as well," Brian says. "It becomes a very personal experience for them, just like it is for me." These workshops are often held in small, intimate settings, like Brian and Lissa’s condo, where participants can feel at home and focus on their creations.
A partnership in business and life
Brian and Lissa are not just life partners but business partners too. Their combined efforts make Moss Escape what it is today. While Brian focuses on the creative and technical aspects of the terrariums, Lissa handles the organizational and logistical side of the business.
Lissa’s role is crucial in ensuring that the operations run smoothly. She is responsible for procurement, scheduling, and managing the day-to-day logistics of the business. "She does a lot of the dirty work. Organizing procurement, scheduling deliveries, getting new suppliers, things like that," Brian shares.
Together, they prepare for workshops, manage orders, and handle customer inquiries. Their teamwork is evident in the quality and care put into every aspect of Moss Escape. "We have a shared schedule, so we both know when the workshops are going to happen, the private workshops. She has a basic idea that, okay, we still have enough materials for this workshop. The private ones are easy because we always have the stuff on hand," Brian explains.
For larger events, their collaboration becomes even more critical. "Obviously, we need to prepare. Are we ready? Maybe two weeks before, one week before, three weeks before… We're preparing what kind of stuff we need to be ready for those events," Brian adds. Lissa’s meticulous planning ensures that they meet all their commitments efficiently.
Brian's 23-year background in IT, along with his talent for turning hobbies into successful ventures, brought technical expertise and a keen eye for detail to their new project. Lissa, on the other hand, had experience running a small baking business and operating a restaurant, which gifted her with exceptional organizational skills and logistical expertise. These skills ensured smooth operations at Moss Escape, from procurement to customer engagement.
Together, Brian and Lissa tackle the challenges of launching and running their business, which combines art with therapy, one that’s been born out of personal grief. Their complementary abilities and shared vision have not only led to a prosperous company but also formed a deeply personal and meaningful connection with their clientele.
Expanding horizons
As Moss Escape grew, so did Brian and Lissa’s vision for the business. They started offering DIY kits, allowing people to create their own miniature landscapes at home. These kits include everything needed – moss, containers, tools, and instructions – making the art of terrarium building accessible to everyone, regardless of their location.
Brian and Lissa also began partnering with local coffee shops and other establishments to host larger workshops. These events not only spread the word about Moss Escape but also created a sense of community among participants. As of this writing, they have signed up a workshop for a major FMCG company, where 950 participants will create their own terrariums over several days.
A personal touch
What truly sets Moss Escape apart is the personal touch in every aspect of the business. Brian and Lissa’s story, their dedication, and their passion are infused into each piece they create. Their ability to turn personal grief into something that brings joy and comfort to others is proof of their resilience.
For Brian and Lissa, each terrarium is a step forward, a way to cope with their loss, and a means to help others find their own peace. Moss Escape has become a journey of healing and a tribute to a little girl whose memory continues to inspire beautiful, miniature worlds.
In a world that often feels overwhelming, Moss Escape offers a small, green sanctuary – a reminder that beauty can thrive even in the most challenging of times.