We recently connected with Andrea Vilorio and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Andrea, thanks for joining us today. Let’s jump to the end – what do you want to be remembered for?

When I leave this Earth, I hope I’m surrounded by my family and friends who loved me fiercely but also felt comfortable speaking their truth to me so there were no words left unspoken. I want my legacy to be filled with stories of transformation, connection, and resiliency.

Since starting Planting Positivity, LLC, I’ve spent countless hours talking to potential clients at events and I hope that the legacy I leave behind are conversations I’ve spoken in kindness, in honesty, and with joy. During these interactions, a few have opened up their stories to me and I cherish those conversations because it meant that I listened more than I talked. My legacy would be considered fulfilled when the people I raise up also live their authentic lives, work on transforming the lives of their own and others, find resilience in the hardest of times, and find connection and light during the dark times.

Andrea, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

The concept of Planting Positivity, LLC came about to expand people’s concept of what plants are, what they bring to our lives, and to show that there is a certain “artistry” to plant care. As a Latina, a plant business owner, and an artist, I am proud to hold space for individuals going through all walks of life, from novice to more advanced plant people, looking to be an artist in the plant world. In addition to face-to-face interactions at markets and plant shows, Planting Positivity, LLC offers the following services: virtual plant consultations, in-home houseplant repotting, indoor plant event styling, and plant sitter for when time away is needed.

As a former Peace Corps Volunteer living and teaching English in rural Ethiopia, health and education were ingrained in the core of all lesson plans. From prior experience of being born in Honduras, growing up in the USA, and moving to Ethiopia as an adult, there were fundamental themes that emerged. These themes consisted of: the environment one is in impacts the access of items available, the opportunities presented make an impact on decisions made, the knowledge we have helps us determine whether to take a risk, and our sense of being with how we connect to things/people around us matter in our decision making and our well-being. Finding home and leaving a piece of myself in three different countries has given me the privilege to meet so many diverse individuals and to see the good in humanity. Being open mind, open heart also has led to being aware of the cruelty of humanity, which is why I carry all aspects of the human experience within me and in the interactions I have in hope to honor the past, present, and future.

My goal is to form connections with people who are curious, who want to learn, and those who build resilience in adversity, triumphs, and through failures of being a plant parent – because the world is tough enough as it is, and we should all find something that lets us breathe. My open door policy to answering plant maintenance questions leads into my strategies of building a business that is rooted in authenticity, credibility, and curiosity so that individuals can make informed decisions on their plant care needs. Being well-versed in languages, culture, health, education, and having first-hand experience of the tranquility that taking care of plants can provide also helps to connect with individuals as the ultimate and most basic need for every human is to find their place in this world. As flawed individuals, I don’t believe we are meant to go through life alone – life is messy, wonderful, scary, amazing, terrifying, and imperfect. Plants like humans, have unique needs and care maintenance, but if cared for correctly, can flourish under any thumb.

Like a phoenix rising from the ashes, I want to help you on your journey from “I have a black thumb and kill all plants” to “I propagated a plant, took care of a plant without pests successfully, and now, I have a new plant to give away” as sharing is caring, my friend. Join me on this wild ride to learn more about plants, will you?

What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?

The most effective strategies for growing my clientele are 1) authenticity in who I am as a person, 2) building my credibility as an avid plant person and business owner, and 3) a curiosity of the world. The best interactions with clients have been honest, transparent, and hold a certain level of curiosity about plant care, whether it comes to soil, light, frequency of watering, humidity levels, dealing with pests in plants, or selecting pet-friendly plants. The team at Planting Positivity, LLC strives to learn about each client’s home since we understand each home is unique, and therefore, the plant bought must be unique and tailored to thrive in each home. As the face of the business, I find that being open about my past plant triumphs and failures helps to connect with the community – even after seven years of understanding plants and their care, I manage to still unalive a plant and learn from it. I take the lessons learned to understand maintenance care and can give advice on best practices to plant care.

When clients approach Planting Positivity, LLC – we find people that fit into a few categories. There are those that are completely new, but excited to continue learning, those that say they have a black thumb, those that are indifferent, or those looking for a particular plant – we do not care where you are in the plant parent process as we’re happy to talk to anyone! No matter the category that each client fits in, a business card and open access to me via social media, email, or through my cell phone – I’m happy to discuss plant care needs. I know when I first started getting into plants, there is an overabundance of information and a frustration over uncertainty of what is going on – is it a pest? Is it lighting? Is it the soil or the water? Is it the plant container? Whatever is going on, my detective skills are on the way to figuring out how to take care of the problem. This is where the 3 effective strategies for growing my clientele come into play – authenticity, credibility, and curiosity.

What’s been the best source of new clients for you?

Authenticity, credibility, and curiosity are important strategies to build the business and bring in clientele. If done correctly, these strategies help to build a relationship with clients, who provide referrals to Planting Positivity, LLC. Having an e-commerce site that is engaging is significant, but nothing compares to face-to-face interactions with clients at local markets and plant shows around the Atlanta area. These interactions allow the team to engage with the community, learn more about what kind of information is needed, what plants people are looking for, and what ultimately, sells best. Handing out business cards with a QR code taking to the link.tr brand page, and with an emphasis to reach out with any questions, comments or concerns has been a successful tool for Planting Positivity, LLC and has often led to more follows on social media or an increase in web page visits. In addition, these in-person events have led to learning about other entrepreneurial groups of individuals who are also trying to build their business. These events have been a great resource to not only have the community learn about the business, but also a great way for the staff at Planting Positivity, LLC to meet other folks who are working hard, sharing stories, and swapping stories about what has worked for them and what hasn’t. As a business owner looking to grow and expand into a physical space, I am also looking forward to creating partnerships with other businesses because “if you want to go fast, go alone; if you want to go far, go together.”

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.planting-positivity.com
• Instagram: @planting.positivity.llc/@dreainethiopia
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/planting.positivity.llc
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrea-vilorio/
• Other: tiktok: planting.positivity.llc

Image Credits

Eddie Wedman