We were lucky to catch up with Ashlynne Barnes recently and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Ashlynne thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with 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?
I’ve always loved plants. My interest really kicked off in mid 2019. I continued learning and collecting, and daydreaming about being able to make my “hobby”, a career. In 2021, I went through a series of life changing events that really gave me the push to start the business. It really hit me that life is short, and I want to spend it doing something that makes me happy. I began selling on Etsy, which I did for about 6 months. I knew I wanted more than what that platform had to offer me. I wanted to not just sell plants, but build a community for plant lovers to learn and build connections. I started off by working with Be- Efficient Solutions to design my logo. She helped me bring my vision to life. We then moved on to creating my website. I created a Facebook group where plant enthusiasts could connect, while also utilizing outlets like tiktok and Instagram (that I had already established) to connect with others and share my passion. My website officially launched in June 2022. I’ve been able to connect with the community through local events as well. I’ve teamed up with other woman owned businesses to host plant swaps, as well as participating in markets.
Ashlynne, 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?
This all started as a hobby. I fell in love with plants and all the things they can do. Whether it be learning about where they came from, the amazing medicinal uses they can provide, or even just the sheer beauty that they hold. Caring for plants is very gratifying. Being able to learn their needs and helping them thrive is just the coolest. It’s like a gift that keeps on giving. Evergreen is more than just a plant shop. It’s a place where you can learn, share, and grow your plant passion. We host local events, as well as offer virtual spaces to meet with other enthusiasts. We do this through social media, groups, and blogs. We often help clients pinpoint issues they’re having with their plants. They reach out to us with problems and we help guide them to a resolution. Our virtual outlets are really great for this kind of thing. Others who have experienced what they’re struggling with can share their knowledge. Of course we also sell plants. We have an online shop that ships nationwide, and offers local pickup. We offer a variety of different plants. Staple house plants as well as the rare and uncommon. It’s very important to me to allow the plants I sell to be accessible. We offer affordable prices, as well as opportunities to acquire plants for free. We host free plant swaps bimonthly, so you can trade cuttings, established plants, etc, to grow your collection without spending a dime. Our mission is to be a place for plant parents of all experience to connect and grow together.
We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?
My biggest piece of advice is to just be yourself. Know the audience you’re trying to reach. Have fun, be silly! I started off making content that was just me. I made videos I thought were funny and relatable. Shared honest failures or frustrations when it came to plant care. I didn’t follow any specific social media guidelines. I posted daily if I could, and made sure I enjoyed what I was putting out. I think it’s important to support others in your interest group as well. Like, comment, and follow other creators or businesses. You not only grow your following but build connections and friendships as well.
Any thoughts, advice, or strategies you can share for fostering brand loyalty?
I’ll tell you about one of my favorite clients. I first met her through a local gardening group. I sold her a plant that she had been looking for for years. She had owned it once before, about 40 years ago. She ended up losing it after moving here. She couldn’t find it anywhere and was so thrilled when she saw that I was selling it. After that we built a friendship. She’ll send me her wish list plants and I find them for her. When she come to pick up we’ll chat about plant care, etc. Shes been such a loyal supporter from the beginning, so I always sell to her at a discounted price. I’ll source plants just for her. She’s worked in nurseries and been caring for plants for decades. A lot of the plants I find for her she owned years ago but can no longer find at affordable prices (given the current high market), so it’s super exciting for both of us to be able to get these for her. Extra steps like this help create a personal connection with your customers. She knows I’ll go the extra mile to help her and she’s one of my most frequent clients because of it. It’s amazing when she sends me photos of the plants growth, and to see the care she puts into them. She’s the perfect example of the community I want to build around the business. We’re all about helping our community, whether it’s finding you your dream plant or helping you learn how to care for it.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://www.evergreenplantex.com/
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/evergreenplantex
- Facebook: Www.facebook.com/evergreenplantex
- Other: Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1164940760921090/?ref=share_group_link
Image Credits
All photos taken by the owner, Ashlynne Barnes