Jennifer Warren-Gash, founder of ‘Mashamba Garden & Terrace Design’, arrived in Mallorca on New Year’s Eve 2007 with little more than a suitcase, her dogs, and her boyfriend (now husband, Alexander). She’d never even been to Europe before. Starting from scratch in Llubí, she has since built a thriving business designing stunning outdoor spaces for clients seeking the Mediterranean dream. Here, she shares her journey, from challenges to triumphs, with Humans of Mallorca.
From Texas to Mallorca
Where are you from, and what was your upbringing like?
I grew up in a small town in East Texas, a quiet, rural place where I spent most of my childhood outdoors, running wild and free. My parents were hardworking, small-town Americans who believed in the American dream: that with hard work and determination, you can become whoever you want to be.
Tell us a little about your early career.
I studied journalism but left midway through university to start my own business, an entertainment magazine – like Time Out – called the East Texas Entertainer. It listed all the local goings-on, like concerts, rodeos, and American football games, and it featured interviews with performers and notable locals. I was just so driven, ready to get my life started and get to work. Everything I’ve learned has been from real-life, hands-on experience. Looking back, it was all a challenge, but I was determined! I bootstrapped the business with nothing but my computer and the desire to make something of myself. I relied on creativity and hard work to make it a success.
What about your project ‘Mashamba. Garden & Terrace Design’. When, why, and how did you start it?
Both my husband, Alexander, and I are entrepreneurs and when we moved to the island, it was a natural conclusion that we’d start our own company. Before moving, we envisioned Mediterranean life as glamorous and beautiful. But when we arrived, we realized outdoor spaces here often lacked comfort and creativity. That’s when Alexander and I decided to launch ‘Mashamba Garden & Terrace Design’ in 2008. Since then, we’ve been working together, building the business and the Mashamba brand. Alexander handles the garden design while I design outdoor living spaces and manage art curation. I think we make a great team!
What was the hardest part of the transition to life here?
Moving to Mallorca was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done. In Costa Rica, where I was before moving here, I had a good life — freedom, independence, and direction. But when I arrived on New Year’s Eve 2007, I had no friends or job, only my suitcase, dogs, and boyfriend (now my husband!). I had never even been to Europe before. To make matters worse, I loved to work and identified myself with my career. As an American in the EU, I couldn’t work until my residence visa came through. That long wait wreaked havoc on my self-identity and spirit.
How did you overcome this challenge?
It took an unwavering commitment to my dreams. I was depressed and spent a lot of time on the couch, but gradually, I started building relationships, kept working hard, and reinvented myself here.
Building Mashamba
Who are your clients?
Our clients are mostly holiday homeowners from northern Europe – Scandinavians, Germans, Brits – and some Americans. When they visit, they want to live the Mediterranean dream, spending time outside in the sunshine and warm weather. They choose Mashamba because of our designs and because we make their gardens and terraces as beautiful and meticulous as their homes’ interiors.
What’s unique about doing business in Mallorca?
Managing client expectations! Many of our foreign clients are used to faster-paced environments, and Mallorca’s laid-back rhythm can be an adjustment for them.
What do you love most about your work?
From a designer’s perspective, it’s a real privilege to have clients approach us because of our creative style. Our clients typically give us free rein to create something extraordinary for them. It’s been wonderful because we’ve been able to push and develop our personal style.
Life in Llubí
Why did you settle in Llubí?
It has a real Mallorquin feel, relatively untouched by gentrification and tourists. There’s not a whole lot going on, but we like that it’s quiet and peaceful. It’s what we need at this point in our lives.
Describe your typical day.
My family is full of early birds. I start the day between 5:00 and 6:00 with a cup of coffee, using the time to plan my day and organize my brain. Besides the school run, my mornings also include weight training three times a week. It’s a non-negotiable for my mental and physical health.
No workday is ever the same. Some days, I’m designing in the office, and sometimes, I’m on-site overseeing installation or dealing with logistical challenges. Driving to client sites and suppliers means a lot of time in the car. Occasionally, the job is glamorous, lunching with clients or suppliers and attending gallery openings or parties.
By 17:00, I’m generally finished with work, and I really switch off, putting down my phone. We like to cook and eat together as a family every night. And then it’s typically an early bedtime before 22:00.
Looking Ahead
What’s next for Mashamba?
We’re growing the brand, working with local artisans to create custom pieces, and pushing the possibilities of outdoor living design.
What’s your ultimate goal?
To live life on my own terms. To make and live by my own rules. Some days, it’s awesome and some days, it’s just plain hard, but I’ve never been much of a conformist.
What’s your hope for Mallorca in 2030?
I hope Mallorca strikes a balance: maintaining a high quality of life for residents while offering sustainable, meaningful experiences for visitors.
Text by Anastasia Barysheva
