$NOPALES

In 2009 I first came into contact with Bitcoin. In 2016 a friend gifted me half a BTC — and I dove headfirst into the crypto world. For years I traded altcoins, chased one hype after another, and unfortunately fell for several scams.

By early 2020 I had enough. I rented a tiny hidden valley with no electricity, no mobile reception, and no running water. Just an old treehouse, 25 almond trees, and way too many cacti. It was my escape from the digital world and all its dark sides.

Shortly after, I found a wild Nopales mother plant. Together with my Irish friend Rhoda, we solemnly planted two pads the evening before the first lockdown. Later I rescued dozens of discarded Nopales pads from the trash and began observing them in the valley.

Soon we didn’t just have plants — we had helpers: the children’s dads, friends from surrounding farms, and many others who loved spending time with us. Without these men, especially my husband, none of this would have been possible. I am infinitely grateful to them.

During the lockdowns the valley became a meeting place for many mothers from my son’s playgroup. The children loved it more than anything. They experienced real freedom in real nature — like their personal Minecraft universe. I felt safe there. Everyone did. It was a magical place.

The lease for the valley unfortunately ended in March 2025. Since then I have been caring for a few mother plants in my private garden — a true Micro-Finca. As my friend Valery said: “You brought the finca into your garden.” She was right. I’m often short on pads, which is why I only offer them occasionally via Etsy and not as crowdfarming.

In 2022 I discovered Midjourney. Suddenly my most beautiful Nopales plants jumped back into the digital world. One photo became the origin of our mascot.

This is how nopales.io was born — from a real escape into nature, many shared moments in the valley, and the simultaneous processing of my crypto past. The journey continues, just a little smaller and closer to home.