IN THE MOBILE SECRET GARDEN…

Who doesn’t recall the story of Mary Lennox and her secret garden? The one whose scenery could be created imaginatively by a child’s mind while reading this truly engaging book. Sometimes we feel like having such a magical green area in our own homes, even if they are just small apartments.

I must admit that I don’t really have a green thumb, although I managed to handle my balcony quite beautifully last summer, so that my begonias and geraniums were still blooming in November. However, when it comes to house plants, I tend to choose the ones which are not too demanding, the ones which won’t take offense at me if I happen to forget to water them once in a while.

I’ve always admired people who seem to be born experts in the field of plants and their hands can create true floral masterpieces, the ones pleasing not only the eyes of home dwellers, but also the eyes of their guests. Such tasteful accents can create a unique character of the place, which gets more cozy in its nature.

However, it often happens that shops offer plants which are grown in large amounts without much care and the moment they come under our roofs their magic is gone. This feeling of disappointment is related to their quick dieback despite our huge efforts. Besides that not all the sellers are able to provide the right service, including the one of stating which flower should be bought by a given customer and why it should be bought.

I’m truly pleased to introduce you to my today’s interviewee – Whitney Shea – a full of energy and passionate woman who decided to meet the expectations of her clients by creating her mobile store in which she doesn’t only sell beautiful plants, but also provides advice and assistance whenever there’s such a need.

Passion Piece: Could you tell my readers a few words about yourself?

Whitney: I’m a young, female business owner. What started as a pipe dream is now a thriving business. I enjoy helping others add something green to their space.

Passion Piece: You’re the owner and the founder of Green Space Plant Co. What made you leave your teaching career and start your own business?

Whitney: The 2020-2021 school year was the hardest year of my life both personally and professionally. I knew the year prior that I was ready for some type of new challenge or opportunity, I just wasn’t sure what that looked like. Teaching is definitely a job of passion, and after this year, my passion was dry. My love of plants and greenery changed from a hobby to a haven and getaway. I found so much joy spending time with my plants and getting to help others. From this, Green Space was born.

Passion Piece: When did you get to know that you’ve got a green thumb? Did anyone encourage you to enter into the world of plants or was it your very own dream?

Whitney: I like to say that my green thumb was an undiscovered talent. My grandfather, whom we lost in February, always had the most impeccable lawn and plants. Everything he touched turned to “plant gold”, HUGE and beautiful. This is something that I always grew up with and around, but never tried for myself until later. Once I tried with my own plants, I found this hidden talent. This combined with my passion for teaching and helping others learn became my new niche.

Passion Piece: How does your venture look like? What does Green Space Plant Co offer to its customers?

Whitney: Green Space offers customers a unique shopping experience. Because Green Space is a mobile shop, we are able to go to the people. In addition, customers are met with a friendly and knowledgeable face to greet and help them shop based on their needs and interests. Most importantly, customers are able to reach out directly with any questions or concerns about their plants and receive an almost immediate response.

Passion Piece: Where do you look for the plants you sell? Do you have any preferences when it comes to breeds of plants?

Whitney: I personally grow several of my plants and use a distributor as well. A big part of this for me is ensuring that the plants are healthy and thriving prior to sale. There is nothing worse than bringing a new plant home, seemingly doing everything correctly, and dying from a preexisting condition, out of your own control. I personally have preferences, I love philodendrons and trailing plants, but I try to carry a variety of plants that fits everyone’s interest.

Passion Piece: How would you like to expand your business? Is a mobile trailer the right idea for a shopping business?

Whitney: The next big expansion is creating the mobile store. Is this the “right thing” is a question I get often. Truthfully, I don’t think we will fully know until it’s done. This concept is new, innovative, and intriguing to customers. It adds an elevated unique shopping experience.

Passion Piece: Why are some people hopeless at having plants and flowers at home? Are there any 3 key tricks you could provide them with?

Whitney: When I hear, “I kill everything” I always ask, “do you over love it or under love it?” That seems to be the issue for most. The biggest key is light and water. All plants need light, some need more than others to survive and thrive. Water: plants are not people or pets, they DO NOT need to be watered daily. Less water and more light is the typical need for most plant parents.

Passion Piece: What do you love doing in your free time?

Whitney: In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my husband and our dog. Participating in community events, and visiting local restaurants and breweries.

Passion Piece: Where do you see yourself and your business in the nearest future?

Whitney: In the near future, I see us needing to expand our greenhouse and purchasing land for future endeavors.

Passion Piece: Which motto would you like to share with my readers?

Whitney: Everyone has space for something green.

Passion Piece: Thank you very much for this truly inspiring conversation and I can’t wait to see new beautiful plants in your offer!

See you around!

Yours,

Passion Piece

Photos by: Whitney Shea