We recently connected with Ashleigh Thompson and have shared our conversation below.

Ashleigh, looking forward to hearing all of your stories 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?

I didn’t start with a full business plan. I started because I literally ran out of windowsills.

I had filled every bright spot in my house with plants. I was constantly propagating, growing, experimenting and I didn’t want to stop. But I also didn’t have room for hundreds of plants.

So I decided to try selling them at a local pop up markets.

That was the shift.

Once I signed up for my first market, it got real. I had to figure out pricing, permits, how to accept payments, and how to display everything in a way that felt like me. I leaned into using vintage, upcycled, and handmade pieces because that’s what I loved, and that naturally became part of my brand.

The first market showed me something important. People didn’t just want plants. They wanted guidance. They wanted someone to explain things in a simple, encouraging way. That’s when I realized I wasn’t just selling plants, I was sharing knowledge and confidence.

From there, it grew step by step. I started being more intentional about what I propagated. I paid attention to what sold. I improved my setups. I began offering workshops, DIY kits, terrariums, and eventually events and plant-themed products.

It’s been over seven years now, and it didn’t happen overnight. It was a lot of learning, adjusting, and showing up consistently. I never waited until everything felt perfect. I just kept taking the next small step.

It all started because I filled my windowsills and didn’t want to stop!

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I’m a plant enthusiast turned business owner who built a brand rooted in creativity, education, and community. What began as a personal love for growing and propagating plants evolved into selling at local markets, and over the past seven years, it has grown into a multifaceted plant-focused business.

Today, I offer thoughtfully propagated plants, custom arrangements and terrariums in vintage and upcycled vessels, hands-on workshops, DIY kits, plant care education, and plant-themed goods. Whether I’m hosting an event, setting up at a market, or collaborating with a local space, my goal is to make plants feel approachable and inspiring.

A big part of what I do is removing the intimidation around plant care. Many people believe they have a “black thumb.” I focus on simplifying information, teaching practical care, and helping people build confidence through experience.

What sets my brand apart is the experience. My setups and workshops are creative, welcoming, and community-driven. Plants are the foundation, but connection is the outcome.

I’m most proud that this business has grown steadily and intentionally. It’s shaped by listening to customers, refining what works, and staying true to my style. At its core, my brand is about making plants joyful, creative, and accessible for everyone.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

I think it really came down to a few simple things.

First, consistency. I’ve shown up year after year at markets, events, and online. When people see you regularly, they begin to trust you. That steady presence built familiarity and credibility.

Second, education. I take time to explain plant care in a simple, approachable way. I don’t just sell plants, I help people feel confident caring for them. That’s made me a trusted resource, not just a vendor.

Presentation has also mattered. My setups are intentional and creative, with vintage and upcycled elements that make the brand recognizable and memorable.

And finally, relationships. I listen to customers, answer questions, and create experiences through workshops and events. That connection has been just as important as the plants themselves.

Over time, those small, consistent efforts built my reputation. 

How’d you meet your business partner?

My business has grown largely through community, and each partnership came together pretty organically.

I met Amy of From Scratch Farm at a market called SA Local. We connected through the vendor community, and when she opened Handmade on Main, I quickly jumped ij to be part of it. I officially joined just one week before the COVID shutdown. Which was a wild time to step into something new but it strengthened our partnership and pushed all of us to adapt quickly.

Around that same time, I connected with Heather and Justin from The Dough Station (Hondough at the time). I started by participating in Margarita Markets at their space, and eventually began selling my plants on their shelves as well. It was another example of how collaboration created opportunity.

Then Susan of Susan Baker Arts invited me to be part of building something new. The Art Space 830. That space became a place where I could host classes and workshops and offer my plants in a more permanent setting in Hondo. It allowed my business to expand beyond markets and into more hands-on, creative experiences here in our new hometown!

None of these partnerships were forced or overly strategic. They grew from showing up, building relationships, and saying yes when opportunities aligned. Community has truly been one of the biggest drivers of my business growth.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://crazy-plant-lovee.square.site/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/crazy.plant.lovee?igsh=MTJuMGZmczVqdjBvbw==
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/16znRM217x/