Interview with Silvia Ibañez Nubla, deputy director of Mistral Bonsai

To celebrate International Women’s Day, we would like to pay tribute to women who, with their dedication and passion, have excelled in the bonsai world. Through their work, teaching and inspiration, they have enriched this millenary art, proving that bonsai is a space for everyone, whatever their gender. In this interview, we talk with Silvia Ibáñez Nubla, Deputy Director of Mistral Bonsai.

1. How many years have you been in the bonsai world, and how have you progressed over the years?

I have been at Mistral Bonsai for over 15 years, and I can say that bonsai is an art that captures you.

At the beginning, you start learning the technique, but as you dedicate time to it, you find out that it is much more than that, it is patience, observation and a deep connection with nature.

Over the years, I have seen how the sector has changed, from a more traditional activity to an expansion into new markets and a commitment to sustainability and digitalisation. But, after all, the essence of bonsai remains the same: a living art that never ceases to surprise you and teach you new things.

2. The company is transitioning from a male to a female management. What has this transition been like and what changes has it brought?

It is a natural transition, the result of years of teamwork and a generational transition based on continuity and modernisation. The change has brought a new perspective in management, with a more transversal and collaborative approach. We are also strengthening our digital presence, expanding our sustainability strategy and promoting innovation in the production and marketing of bonsai.

Bonsai is still a mostly male world, have you encountered specific challenges as a woman leading a company in this sector?

Yes, the bonsai world has traditionally been a male world, and although there are some changes, they come very slowly. It is still very difficult to find women in this sector, both in the practice of bonsai and in the promotion and management of specialised companies. But this is not just in bonsai; in many areas, the world is still designed by men for men, and women often have to go the extra mile to prove their worth and gain the recognition that is often taken for granted for men.

Leading a company in this context means challenging stereotypes and demonstrating, with hard work and perseverance, that passion and knowledge have no gender. Even so, it is important to continue to pave the way for more and more women to make a place for themselves in the bonsai world, both in the hobby and in the professional world.

4. Have you noticed an evolution in the women’s role in bonsai in recent years, both in practice and in business management in the industry?

Although change is slow, we are starting to see more women interested in bonsai, both as hobbyists and in professional areas. There is an increasing presence of women in congresses, workshops and clubs, and also running businesses in the sector.

However, the reality is that we are still a minority and there is still a lot of work to be done. The challenge is not only to have more women in bonsai, but also to have the same recognition and opportunities as men. That is why it is important to keep working to make this world more inclusive and accessible to all.

5. What new values or perspectives do you want to bring to the company with this change of management?

We maintain the essential values of Mistral Bonsai, such as respect for nature, quality and passion for bonsai, but we are also incorporating a more modern and sustainable approach. We are committed to a more dynamic and open management, promoting digitalisation, formation and connection with the bonsai community at a global level.

We also want to continue promoting sustainability in our processes, reducing our ecological footprint and encouraging more responsible practices in bonsai cultivation and distribution.

6. What advice would you give to other women who want to enter the bonsai world, either as bonsai enthusiasts or as businesswomen?

Do not set limits for yourselves. Bonsai is an art that requires patience, perseverance and sensitivity, qualities that do not understand gender. To those who want to start a business, I would tell them to get training, to find support in the bonsai community and to trust in their ability to innovate and bring new values to the sector.

7. What are the company’s next projects or goals for the future?

We have several projects in progress, from improving our facilities to expanding into new markets. One of our main objectives is to strengthen sustainability, working with more responsible cultivation methods and reducing environmental impact. We also want to promote bonsai training and divulgation, both for amateurs and professionals, with more online resources and face-to-face activities. Innovation will be essential in the next few years to continue to grow this art and reach more people.

If you enjoyed the story of Silvia Ibañez and her impact on the bonsai industry, you may also be interested in learning about other influential women in the world of bonsai:

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