Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Ida Uffelman. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Ida, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Do you manage your own social media?

I’m currently overseeing our social media management in-house, and I’m pleased with the progress we’ve made thus far! While I’d love to explore outsourcing this task, it’s not feasible for us at the moment. I make a conscious effort to allocate specific times for monitoring our social pages and engaging with our audience. In today’s culture of instant gratification, resisting the urge to respond immediately can be challenging, but I strive to maintain a balanced approach.

Ida, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I’m Ida Vera, the owner of Spruce, a unique plant bar in Jacksonville, Florida, with two locations—one in Jax Beach and the other in Murray Hill. At Spruce, we offer a variety of beverages including beer, wine, and non-alcoholic options, alongside a selection of houseplants, planters, and more. Excitingly, we’re about to introduce a coffee service at our Murray Hill space.

The idea for Spruce began almost eight years ago during a trip to the Pacific Northwest with my husband, Christhian. Exploring coffee shops, bars, and plant shops sparked an idea that would become Spruce. Following that trip, I worked tirelessly to bring Spruce to life, overcoming challenges along the way. I could not have done it without the support of my family and friends. It was actually my brother, Nick’s, idea to add alcohol to the mix and make Spruce a Plant Bar.

In January 2020, we acquired our Murray Hill location and began renovations. Despite delays due to the pandemic and bureaucratic hurdles, we persisted. Although Spruce Murray Hill was essentially completed in December 2020, our official opening was delayed until December 2024. During those years, I adapted, exploring various avenues to keep the dream alive. Before settling into our permanent location in Jax Beach, we operated a retail shop at a local mall. My husband and I even sold plants from our VW Bus at markets and pop-ups, a venture that continues today.

Since opening in Murray Hill, the support from our community has been overwhelming. It fills me with pride to see Spruce become a cherished gathering place where customers celebrate life’s milestones. From hosting weddings to providing everyday support, our customers have become part of the Spruce family, and for that, we are grateful. This journey has been remarkable, and we feel blessed to be on this adventure.

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

Opening our Murray Hill location was perhaps the most resilient chapter of my journey. In January 2020, we acquired the spot, eager to transform it into Spruce. Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic—such as sourcing materials and finding assistance—we persevered and appeared to be on track, smoothly navigating inspections.

In September 2020, I made the decision to leave my regular job to focus solely on bringing our Murray Hill location to life by December. We had invested in inventory, including a substantial amount in plants. However, in December, our final inspections revealed a devastating setback: half of our parking lot was zoned residential, rendering our permits invalid. This unexpected hurdle left us with limited options—either costly rezoning or pursuing a variance.

Engaging in back-and-forth negotiations with the city only seemed to compound the red tape. We eventually enlisted representatives to advocate on our behalf, yet progress remained slow. Four years elapsed before we finally received the green light to open. Those years, especially early 2021, tested our resolve. With thousands of dollars tied up in inventory and a fully furnished but legally unusable shop, the situation seemed bleak.

Fortunately, my husband proposed a solution: opening a retail-only shop at a local mall. In May 2021, Spruce debuted at the Town Center, providing a temporary lifeline. Come October 2022, we relocated from the mall to the Beach, where I finally realized my dream of establishing a plant bar. And just this past December, we proudly open the original Spruce in Murray Hill, marking the culmination of years of perseverance and unwavering determination.

Does your business have multiple or supplementary revenue streams (like a ATM machine at a barbershop, etc)?

Absolutely! In addition to our physical locations, we have our plants in a few other business around town for sale. We also do plant rentals for events. Whether it’s adding greenery to weddings, corporate functions, or private gatherings, our plants bring life to any occasion.

Furthermore, we specialize in home staging, a vital aspect of real estate marketing. We transform properties about to hit the market by furnishing and decorating them, allowing potential buyers to envision themselves in a fully furnished home. This service enhances the appeal of properties and increases their marketability, facilitating faster sales and maximizing value for our clients.

Contact Info:

• Website: sprucejax.com
• Instagram: @sprucejax
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/spruceplants

Image Credits
Cesiney Spain. Tyler Dunkley