Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Hijrah Hamid. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hijrah, appreciate you joining us today. Can you tell us the backstory behind how you came up with the idea?
The idea for Black Thumb Sanctuary (BTS) was born out of a combination of personal experience, a growing awareness of a common problem, and a desire to make a positive impact.
It all began when I adopted a long-neglected monstera philodendron. Despite the original owner’s best efforts, the plant was struggling to survive. This experience made me realize many people have plants that they don’t want or don’t know how to care for. Whether it’s because they were gifted a plant that’s not a good fit for their home or lifestyle, or because they simply don’t have the time or knowledge to keep it alive, there are a lot of plants out there that are in need of a new home.
I also realized that there was a stigma attached to giving away or getting rid of plants. People often feel guilty about doing so, even if it’s the best thing for the plant. I wanted to create a place where people could feel comfortable parting with their plants, knowing that they were going to be cared for and ultimately given to someone who would appreciate them.
Finally, I felt that BTS could be a way to connect people with nature and teach them about the importance of plant care. I believe that everyone should have the opportunity to experience the joy of having plants in their lives, and cost should never be a barrier.
BTS has been a rewarding experience from the start. I’ve had the opportunity to rescue and rehabilitate hundreds of plants, and I’ve seen firsthand the positive impact that they can have on people’s lives. I’m so grateful for the opportunity to do what I love and to make a difference in the world.
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.
As the founder and manager of Black Thumb Sanctuary, my journey into the world of plants began in early 2021 when my best friends gifted me an orchid. Little did I know that this seemingly simple gesture would spark a passion that would lead me to create a haven for plants in need of care and a second chance.
The delicate beauty of the orchid, with its intricate blooms and subtle fragrance, captivated me from the moment I laid eyes on it. I was fascinated by its lifecycle, watching as the flowers bloomed, faded, and eventually gave way to new growth. I found myself drawn to the orchid’s resilience, its ability to thrive despite the challenges of its environment.
My newfound passion for plants led me to explore the concept of plant rescue, the idea of giving neglected or unwanted plants a second chance at life. I realized that many people struggle to keep their houseplants alive, often due to a lack of knowledge or time. I also discovered that there are many plants that are simply discarded or abandoned, left to wither away in forgotten corners of homes and offices.
With a growing sense of purpose, I decided to open Black Thumb Sanctuary, a botanical rescue dedicated to providing plants with the care they need to thrive. My vision was to create a place where plants could be nursed back to health, where they could be educated about proper plant care, and where they could find new homes with people who would appreciate them.
Black Thumb Sanctuary has become more than just a plant rescue; it has become a community of plant lovers who share a passion for nurturing and preserving these living wonders. I am proud of the work we have done to rescue and rehabilitate hundreds of plants, and I am grateful for the opportunity to connect with people who share my love for the natural world.
Here are some of the key things I want potential clients, followers, and fans to know about me and Black Thumb Sanctuary:
* **I am a passionate advocate for plants and their well-being.** I believe that plants deserve to be treated with care and respect, and I am committed to providing them with the best possible care.
* **I am a creative and resourceful problem solver.** I am always looking for new and innovative ways to care for plants and to help them thrive.
* **I am a patient and compassionate educator.** I believe that everyone can learn to care for plants, and I am committed to helping people develop the skills they need to succeed.
I believe that everyone should have the opportunity to experience the joy of having plants in their lives. I am committed to making plant care accessible to everyone, regardless of income.
I am most proud of the positive impact that Black Thumb Sanctuary has had on the lives of plants and people. I have seen firsthand how plants can bring joy, peace, and connection into people’s lives.
What’s worked well for you in terms of a source for new clients?
Word-of-mouth has been a powerful marketing tool for Black Thumb Sanctuary. This is because the company’s services are so unique and beneficial that people are naturally inclined to tell their friends and family about them.
Instagram has also been a valuable marketing tool for Black Thumb Sanctuary. The company uses its Instagram account to share photos of its rescued plants. This has helped to attract a community of plant lovers.
In addition to word-of-mouth and Instagram, Black Thumb Sanctuary has also found success through partnerships with local businesses. Andrea Kidd and her shop Lush Plant Co have been transformative for the project. Aside from older plants received directly from the store, they regularly recommend Black Thumb to their customers.
How did you build your audience on social media?
Building an engaged social media audience takes time, effort, and a genuine passion for connecting with others. While it’s tempting to focus solely on growing your follower count, the true value of social media lies in cultivating meaningful relationships and fostering a sense of community.
My journey on Instagram as the founder of Black Thumb Sanctuary exemplifies this approach. Instead of chasing numbers and blindly promoting my services, I embarked on a mission to connect with fellow plant enthusiasts, particularly those in Georgia and the Black plant community.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://blackthumbsanctuary.com
- Instagram: @blackthumbsanctuary
Image Credits
Hijrah Hamid