Who or what is your inspiration in business?

I have been deeply inspired by the strong business leaders in my life, including my childhood skating coach, my greenhouse mentor, and my parents, all who own and operate successful small businesses. Their guidance, resilience, and entrepreneurial spirit has paved the way and motivated me to pursue my own dream of opening a retail garden center. They have all cheered me on and walked me through the challenges that come with opening a business.

How do you stay motivated?

My motivation is the incredible support from the community that we have felt throughout the project. The local enthusiasm for our greenhouse project has been overwhelming, with residents spreading the word through word-of-mouth and social media. Our first vendor market attracted over 100 attendees, with some even promoting the event in church. This strong community backing motivates me to give back by creating a venue that the community can truly be proud of.

What would you do with the $25,000?

The initial costs of starting a business are significant. The $25,000 will be allocated between operating expenses for our first year at the garden center and promotions. Operating expenses include items such as pots, growing medium, utilities, and plants/seeds. We are currently using a combination of cash and operating capital to manage these costs. Planned events for this spring include a grand opening acoustic concert, planting classes, and wine nights.