We were lucky to catch up with Shetal Patel recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Shetal, thanks for joining us today. What was it like going from idea to execution? Can you share some of the backstory and some of the major steps or milestones?

It was a thought that fruition to current localized events over time. It was a struggle finding locations and venues that would allow the group gatherings pre and post COVID. Initially, I was supporting existing businesses at a loss,but ran into issues with scheduling or reaching owners to support the gatherings. Then, I looked into city and county locations which was also challenging due to regulations. I didn’t have equipment, but raised enough of my own sales to gather equipment if the venue did not provide it. We ran into remote locations who didn’t have the outreach,but learned to market differently. We have a system in place now to make it function on any location or venue.

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.

I grew up in India and raised in USA. While growing up, my family always gardened. We tried to eat healthy and freshly cooked foods to battle ailments. It has been very handy to learn about plants in depth. Before my FB Group Georgia Plant Trade and Sales started a few years back, we learned about landscape issues and how to overcome it with our low budget. Then, I started to learn about houseplants and we traded to accumulate more into my collection from common plants to rare. I learned about the basics to intricate do’s and don’ts as a learner. After that, I was hosting plant events that allowed a casual environment to learn about plants. This became routine weekly events, Georgia Plant Swap + Sale, where we were able to help each other just talk plants and learn from each other all over Georgia as requests came through. It has surely helped to expand my plant knowledge today along with help others do the same. Travelling to many areas further for me was challenging, but it helped me connect with many people. We connected regardless of backgrounds, age, or experience levels in all parts of Georgia.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

The plant group has helped me a lot to take some stresses out of the ordinary where we would step out and talk about plants. This became important as plants and eating at home was a priority during COVID. Challenges faced from everyday people have allowed us to enjoy plants and group events have definitely helped each other cope differently. We have all aged members and most of our events are pet friendly. I always say you start with 1 plant and don’t be afraid to try more along your plant journey. You have to stay resilient no matter what the setbacks are and remember the goal.

Have you ever had to pivot?

The events and areas had to be span out to only a few areas to be able to take time to care for ill family. At the time, bills were high and time was limited. It may have suffered the growth for the events, but it was valuable to balance and refocus time where it is needed for family.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://linktr.ee/georgiaplants
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/georgiaplanttradeandsales
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Georgiaplanttradeandsales/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@GeorgiaPlantTradeandSales
• Other: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@georgiaplanttradesales
  Threads: https://www.threads.net/@georgiaplanttradeandsales
  FB Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/georgiaplanttradeandsales
  Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.com/o/georgia-plant-trade-and-sales-55503160373

Image Credits

The events have been hosted at various local venues and very thankful for the people who come from all over Georgia to spend few hours over plants. Pictured at Mercedes Benz Stadium The HD Backyard, Wild Heaven West End Brewery, Westside Paper Atl, Glover Park Brewery, Marietta Square Market, Eventide, Pullman Yards, and Variant Brewery to name a few locations.