In this episode of The Founder’s Dream business podcast, we dive into a refreshing entrepreneurial journey that grew from a single day of clarity into a nationwide brand. Meet Suraj Nayak, Managing Director of Ecoscapes Landscaping, who shares how he walked out of a Java class and walked into his purpose — building a landscaping business from scratch.
If you’ve ever felt stuck in a career you didn’t love or dreamed of starting your own business, this conversation offers both practical insights and soulful motivation.
From Coding to Cultivating: The Unlikely Start of a Landscaping Entrepreneur
Like most people India, Suraj’s story also begins while he was sitting in an engineering classroom, staring at code that sparked absolutely no interest. But one day changed everything. He skipped class, hopped on a bus, and spent the day wandering around Bengaluru. That day, surrounded by nature, he rediscovered what truly made him happy! It was plants, open spaces, and natural beauty.
From childhood memories of playing in his family garden to organising community Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations, Suraj always had a hidden love for beautifying spaces. And boom! He decided to turn this into a career. This sudden realisation quickly turned into an actionable plan and what started as a simple garden service evolved into Ecoscapes Landscaping, a sustainable brand that now serves clients across India.
Ecoscapes: A Green Revolution in Bangalore Startups
Suraj sees opportunity in everything. Even in Bangalore, a fast-growing city, where skyscrapers take over the skyline. Bangalore’s concrete jungle is Surajs’ blank canvas ready to be transformed with lots of greens. His landscaping business is not just about adding plants; it’s more about helping people reconnect with peace.
Whatever it is – a terrace garden, backyard setup, or balcony makeover, Suraj believes every space deserves a touch of green. During the podcast, he addresses myths like the “oxygen plant” trend, explains the best low-maintenance plants for Indian homes, and why no plant is actually “bad.” For anyone interested in Bangalore startups or building a business from scratch, this episode offers valuable lessons on how passion can be turned into a full-fledged business.
The Business of Landscaping: More Than Just Plants
Starting a landscaping business may sound super easy or cool, but Suraj keeps it real. From managing client expectations to tackling the biggest challenge in landscaping like soil differences across Indian cities he shares the raw realities of running a pan-India operation.
Some key takeaways include:
- Terrace gardens don’t have to be expensive, simple setups can transform your space.
- Gardening is like meditation, even 5minutes with your plants can significantly improve mental health.
- Every plant has a role. Understanding the right plant for the right space is the key to successful landscaping.
Suraj’s story also highlights the emotional journey of a first-generation entrepreneur. From handling angry clients to learning to stay calm under pressure, he talks openly about the stress, the lessons, and the growth that comes with entrepreneurship.
Lessons in Building a Business from Scratch
One of the standout parts of this business podcast episode is how relatable Suraj’s journey feels. Like many first-generation entrepreneurs, he didn’t have business mentors or a family background in entrepreneurship. What he had was:
- Clarity of purpose — the desire to reconnect people with nature.
- Consistency — sticking with the mission even during tough times.
- Creativity — transforming small spaces into lush gardens.
From his initial projects in his neighbourhood to now handling corporate landscaping projects across India, Suraj’s growth is proof that following your inner calling can lead to both business success and personal fulfilment.
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Conclusion:
If you’re thinking of starting a landscaping business, curious about Bangalore startups,
interested in building a business from scratch, or simply want to find ways to bring more nature into your life, this episode with Suraj and Abhishek Vyas offers practical advice and heartwarming inspiration.
You’ll also discover the importance of local soil and plant selection, how front yard landscaping can change the look and feel of your home, and why running a garden service is not just about plants — it’s about creating a space for people to breathe, relax, and grow.
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Formal education is helpful but not mandatory. Many successful landscapers start with passion, hands-on learning, and practical experience. Knowledge of plants, climate, and design can be learned through workshops, courses, or working under experts.
Begin with basic services like garden setup and maintenance, build a small portfolio, and grow through word of mouth. Understanding plants, soil, and customer needs is more important than having a big investment at the start.
Yes, landscaping is a growing and profitable industry, especially in cities like Bangalore where urban spaces are demanding more greenery. Residential, commercial, and terrace garden projects create strong revenue opportunities.
