We were lucky to catch up with Jennifer Hihn recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Jennifer, thanks for joining us today. How did you come up with the idea for your business?

Ive always had a love and passion for plants and creating things. One day I was sitting at home and started hand painting pottery and hand stamping words on the pots. I tried selling them on FB market place. They took off much quicker than I anticipated. I lost my job during covid shutdown and started doing it full time. Over that first summer I was doing 4-5 local pop ups. Business took off and I found a brick and mortar shop that fall. I was able to then expand my business and help customers find the right plant and pot to fit their home vibe! It grew into a little gift shop in the back. I also Enjoy giving back to the community by offering free Saturday pop ups from 12-3pm for other makers/artist

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

I think I covered the first part in previous question

We offer the hand painted pottery, among several other different pottery and baskets, Tilth soil (locally made) other plant care items, trellis, moss poles, candles, tea towels, signs, cards, incense and so much more!

Im most proud that I created this all by myself (huge accomplishment for me) I have 3 boys, 9,15 and 21. I was always a stay at home mom working nights and weekends in the restaurant biz for 25 yrs. S

Def the hand painted pottery sets me apart. I created the space to have the feel like your inside someones home to help customers envision placement for their new plants. Its a very cozy experience with incense burning and good music We offer care labels on all our plants in addition to support via email and IG messages for beginners. We do events, private hand painting parties, terrarium building and more!

Can you talk to us about how your funded your business?

I worked very hard to fund my biz myself by grinding and working crazy hours and doing the pop ups until I felt secure enough to open up my shop.

What’s worked well for you in terms of a source for new clients?

IG and word of mouth has been huge in getting new customers! Being a women owned biz as been huge, Cleveland magazine did a few articles, new day Cleveland and several other smaller local papers that did articles on me as helped out as well! We have a great community, Very supportive and has had a huge impact on the support of my shop.

Contact Info:

• Website: @riverplantco.com
• Instagram: @rivereplantco