The Avocado Tree Project

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Mar 29

On the road less traveled recently found us in the quaint, eclectic city of Gulfport, FL. The Tuesday Fresh Market features a labyrinth of vendors lining the main drag. In the midst of lotions, art and jewelry, we found a woman who incorporates all of these into her offerings. Please meet Dimitra Pastras, founder of the Avocado Tree Project.

There are many artisans with unique products, personally crafted with love, care and attention to detail. Dimitra sources hers from one spot - the avocado tree in the backyard of her late father’s house.

In Dimitra’s words, these are “products for the body and soul, all from ONE avocado tree.” Her father planted the trees shortly after 9/11. There is one tree in the front yard and one in the back, which is the source for the products. With a little tender loving care and an abundance of warm Florida sun, the trees produce hundreds of fruit annually. No one person can eat a plentiful avocado harvest, and over the years, Dimitra and her father shared their wealth with family and friends, neighbors and the homeless.

Change is inevitable and sometimes not what we’d hoped for. In 2009, Harry Pastras succumbed to the lung cancer he had fought so hard against. This, just two days after Dimitra’s birthday. After years of caregiving, she found herself with a treasured home, her memories, and a bounty of avocados.

Dimitra began to experiment with her harvest and devised a different way to give back. To make use of the overflowing avocados, she began carving jewelry from the pits; earrings, necklaces, bracelets, and charms. To make use of the avocado flesh, she invented creams, lotions and butters.

Dimitra also fashions a one of a kind origami crossbody handbag. The wearable art is individually crafted with new and recycled materials. The centerpiece of the bag is a hand-carved and painted avocado pit button.

To further honor her father, Dimitra donates $1 from each jewelry sale to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital for cancer research. But it doesn’t just honor Harry, it also supports all those battling cancer in any form. She would know. Dimitra is a thyroid cancer survivor herself.

Stop in to Gulfport’s Tuesday Fresh Market and find Dimitra and her classic, unique products. If that’s not in the travel plans, find the Avocado Project at www.avocadotreeproject.com or on Facebook at Avocado Tree Project. For all those who’ve been touched by cancer, this is your chance to contribute. On the Road Less Traveled and Live Life’s Rich Moments salute you, Dimitra.