botanik. a South London community focused plant based cooking project started in 2023.

Founder of botanik. Iva has built her a career as a plant-based chef with over 10 years of experience in the hospitality industry.

Growing up in Yugoslavia, now Croatia surrounded by a rich tradition of seasonal, homemade food. From a young age, she learned to forage for wild herbs used in teas, cooking, and natural remedies, as well as how to fish, dive for shellfish, and preserve meat—all practices that deeply influenced her future approach to food.

Iva was actively involved in family traditions of food preservation, from drying figs and olives to pickling, pasta making, fermenting, and making jams and fruit preserves.

For the past 20 years, Iva has followed a plant-based lifestyle and is passionate about helping others embrace whole foods and plant-rich diets. She is dedicated to empowering people to be more creative and confident in the kitchen, turning everyday meals into nourishing, sustainable experiences.