Rising Stars: Meet Derek Haynes

Today we’d like to introduce you to Derek Haynes.

Hi Derek, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I have always had a love and appreciation for all things plants. It’s my passion and purpose I believe. Also, I just love giving back to the community, so when an opportunity arose to do both I jumped at it. Now, I love teaching and such, but I grew tired of folks comparing my knowledge to others, and in my typical sassy way, I’d say, “I’m just a crazy botanist, I don’t know what I’m talking about.”

A friend of mine suggested I make it into a brand, and after a lot of pushing from her, here we are!

My current place and the evolution to The Chocolate Botanist came from a mix of me finally getting me, understanding myself, and conversations of my “chocolate skin”. Other friends suggested I make the transition to The Chocolate Botanist, and after some reflection, I moved forward with the title.

I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle-free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
The road was smooth overall, but building a business, especially when you deal with issues of depression, addiction, and just trying to live can be rough. Social media in general doesn’t seem to respect Black people but loves pilfering our language and culture-so when I make mention of race in plant spaces traditionally surrounded by corridors of whiteness, some do not take it well. And by not taking well, some frankly choose to bash me, or others call out racism because of their privilege to exist with plants without being treated ugly.

Choosing to be an advocate, speaking frankly on race has lost some supporters, and that is fine with me. I’m here for those with open minds and reflective hearts.

Otherwise, I’ve just had to teach myself skills to be successful, video editing, how to TikTok, and to read my audience and give them what they desire from me. Sometimes it’s hard to see others go viral or grow overnight, but I’ve been working to give myself grace and gentleness in that arena. My time is my time and what will happen for me will happen in due time.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Going to NC State and getting my Bachelor’s of Plant Biology (Botany) was a joyous time for me. The course work, and general loneliness I felt being seemingly the only Black Botanist in my classes was disheartening. But that experience of academic turmoil, learning when I’m on the path of failure, and relearning how to learn is what sets me apart.

I’m a whole Botanist, and frankly, the rare living Black Botanist that most will ever meet. I learned that talking in the science community works for that arena, but if you can’t plainly explain high-level concepts then have you really learned? I succeed due to the fact I make science relatable. And that’s empowering

I specialize in Ethnobotany, the study of the interaction between plants and society. Examples include why we use pumpkins for Jack-o-lanterns, the rise/fall of tulips as a currency, and cotton and the slave trade.

If you had to, what characteristic of yours would you give the most credit to?
I’m charismatic, and a phenomenal communicator. My pastor Braxton Bowser Sr told me “As long as you’re Derek, you’ll always win.” And that’s the thing. Who I am is why I’m winning. I bring myself, for the most part, to the table.

Additionally, as a general science nerd, I just want others to get us as excited for science as I do.

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Website: thecrazybotanist.com
• Instagram: instagram.com/thechocolatebotanist
• Facebook: Facebook.com/thecrazybotanist
• Twitter: Twitter.com/crazybotanist
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/channel/UCxsce8LaWKVw2g0-xDqdPNg
• Other: TikTok.com/thechocolatebotanist

Image Credits
Rachel Phenix