We recently connected with Bree Iman Clarke and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Bree thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. So let’s jump to your mission – what’s the backstory behind how you developed the mission that drives your brand?
Two Words. Representation Matters.
These is not only my mission, but the foundation of The Plant Project.
Growing a greener tomorrow for the next generation is rooted in all that we do at The Plant Project. It allows others coming after us to know, grow, root & nurture something that is so much bigger than me. As a little girl I didn’t see someone that looked like me to own a plant shop. Being able to do something that is not only historical but relatable makes every tough time sweeter.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
The Plant Project is a place where Plants & CommUNITY both grow. We are the First Black Woman Owned Plant Shop in Texas that created a space for all to experience Plant Joy.
All of our Shops are house in communities that were once settlements for ex enslaved people. The Plant Project highlights the beauty and power of Plant Parenthood.
Showing & sharing that they are more than aesthetics, design & decor. But the mental, physically & emotional healing that arrises from Plant Parent and/or your Plant Journey. We do this through community workshops, botanical events, plant sales & much more.
In all we do we do so with the community in mind. We were built by the community for the community. We are rooting for all those around us. And know that In Order to grow as a whole…we must nurture & cultivate a greener tomorrow.
How do you keep your team’s morale high?
This has not been something that has been easy for me. I actually have not been the best boss & leader on many occasions. I had to learn. I had to grow.
This is what I love about The Plant Project, because I say often we are more than a plant shop we are a place where plants & commUNITY grow.
I have a the beautiful opportunity to have some pretty amazing people work by my side. They have taught me so much & served as examples on how to treat people, talk to people & learn from one another. They have also taught me the beauty of patience, kindness & grace.
Patience, Kindness & Grace are truly the key words of managing a team & maintaining high morale. Learn real quick you nor your team will ever be happy with micromanaging. So to avoid this share your expectations of your team, and allow them to share their needs & expectations as well. This is vital.
You can be hard & soft at the same time. There is a balance in all we do. Showing your team you are rooting for them in their bios s & personal life is so good as well.
Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
Owning a Brick & Mortar is not for the Faint of heart. I don’t wish this stress on anyone. I’ve said before Success is never owned…it’s rented & rent is due everyday.
I have seen many plant shops close around me across the country. Heck I’ve even had ones near me try to sell their shop to me. It’s not easy in these plant shop streets.
I’ve had my highs & my Low’s I’m grateful that my highs have outweighed those low moments. Resilience is a strong word. Many of us have no idea how resilient we really are. Some don’t even see that we show it daily in all we do.
I’m pretty scrappy- and have always been one that if I fall down 7 times I will get up 8 times. I’ve had a lot, a little & nothing. I’ve been homeless, slept in my car, parking garages & there has been times I didn’t know where my next meal was coming from.
I’m a strong believer we all have a streak of resilience in us, one way or another. We just have to have the right passion pushing us….and really know, understand and be rooted in our why.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.the-plantproject.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theplantproject__
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theplantprojectshop
