Hi, Jennifer – let’s start with where are you originally from and how long have you lived in town? Tell us a little about your family.
I am originally from Lakewood Ohio. I’ve lived in Rocky River for 12 years. Sam is 8, Jack is 14, & Drew is turning 20 in 6 weeks!
What are your favorite things to do with your family?
My favorite things to do with the family are go out to dinner, go to pumpkin patches (I loooove Halloween) go to the movies, & OBX!
What’s one thing people would be surprised to know about you?
I think people would be surprised to know that I am very much an introvert. I bartended and waitressed for over 20 years. One of my greatest passions is music, especially seeing it live. I feel like I would not be here without it – it has got me through a lot of hard times. I was raised by my dad until the age of 16 then I went to live with my mom in Vermont for 1 year in a cabin with no electricity, no phone, no power, no running water. We had to light kerosene lanterns to get around at night time. It was as rustic as you can get!
Oh wow! That sounds like something that would be considered “trendy now” LOL – What are some of your favorite things about NE Ohio?
Some of my favorite things about Northeast Ohio is the metro parks, access to a beach, good food, & all the amazing shops and talent that I’ve met along this little journey.
Please tell us about River Plant Co! Why/When did you start it and how did you know this is what you wanted to do?
I first started in January 2019. I did this out of my house and several pop-ups and markets until we found our spot now in July 2020. I’ve always had a passion for making stuff. The dream was to find something lucrative that I could sell at markets or eventually have a shop of my own. I’ve always loved plants and nature. I had the idea of the plant shop but I wanted to set myself apart from regular plant shops. That’s when I came up with the idea to start painting the pots and personalizing them. Never did I imagine it would’ve taken off so quickly! So grateful!!
How has your community been instrumental in getting you to where you are now?
Community has been huge with word-of-mouth and joining the Rocky River Chamber. Other local shops have also been very supportive and helped spread the word. Lots of people wanting to support a new local shop! Very happy I’ve been able to meet so many great people along this journey like yourself! 😉
You are so sweet, I’m grateful to have met you! Do you have any advice for someone wanting to start their own business?
My advice for someone who wanted to start their own business is to jump out there and do it! I never had the experience, knowledge or the funds! Super scary but life passes by so quickly… you’re never going to know unless you try! If you fail at least you know you gave it your all!
What’s your proudest accomplishment?
Besides my family my proudest accomplishment is the shop and just getting out there and trying it.
Anything you would have changed or done differently with your business thus far?
I don’t think I would’ve changed any of it. It was all a learning experience which I feel like I would not be where I am without all of it. The good and the bad!
How do you juggle being a working mom?
It’s difficult to juggle being a working mom. Lots of support from my husband! I’m not sure how I would do it without his support. There’s been a lot of mom guilt about long hours, working every day and when I am home working on the business. This is the year of finding balance for myself and kids!
Where do you hope to be in 10 years?
In 10 years I hope to be doing the exact same thing! I hope to have the hustle figured out and a little more fine tuned. Hopefully in a bigger and brighter location. A lot more space and a lot more windows!
Anyone special you’d like to thank for helping you through parenthood?
My husband. We really don’t have any of that typical grandparents help so it’s just us. It’s been tough but has been getting easier now that the kids are getting older.
For more information on River Plant Co, visit https://www.riverplantco.com/ & follow along on IG @riverplantco
