We recently connected with Lacey Schmitt and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Lacey, thanks for joining us today. Are you happier as a business owner? Do you sometimes think about what it would be like to just have a regular job?

Running a business is undeniably demanding and necessitates a substantial personal commitment. The journey is challenging, often exhausting, but the fulfillment derived from pursuing your wildest dreams is incredibly rewarding. Many shy away from taking the leap due to the fear and unpredictability inherent in entrepreneurship. There were moments when I contemplated the simplicity of having a regular job, where you clock in and out and leave work at the door. I’ve experienced the comfort of a predictable weekly income and the security it provides, yet I’ve always sought more than just ease and comfort. As a passionate dreamer, I harbored a desire for something grander. In June 2023, I took a bold step and opened my business in downtown Allegan, MI, amidst the ongoing reconstruction and streetscape project. The decision seemed a bit unconventional, given the associated risks and the disruption caused by construction. The streets were closed for the first six months, presenting a challenge for potential customers. Despite low sales, including days with no income, I persisted. Collaborating with other businesses for cross-promotion, I engaged with a supportive community of like-minded business owners. Staying positive, envisioning future goals, and maintaining consistency in promotion were key strategies during this trying period. A support group emerged, fostering connections among local small business owners with shared goals. This experience deepened my appreciation for Allegan, reaffirming that I had something valuable within this community.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I am an artist who fell madly in love with plants. I think that’s the best way to put it. My whole life, I have been enamored by art. I wanted to experience all the different mediums and learn as much as I could about each one. Creating art fueled a fire inside of me and there was no stopping it. I knew my future had to have art in it somehow, so I started looking into art careers. In 2009, I relocated to Chicago to pursue my art studies, residing in the city for seven years. This marked a significant shift for me, having spent my entire life in rural Michigan. Immersed in diverse cultures, surrounded by varied individuals, and within a city pulsating with art, this experience was transformative. It broadened my perspective, revealing countless possibilities for an artist beyond what I had known in my rural upbringing. I did eventually moved back to Michigan to be closer to family and took a job teaching art at a non profit studio. There, I was able to work alongside students who reminded me of my younger self. Students that were also hungry for life as an artist. I loved sharing my knowledge of different art subjects with students and watching their talents grow year after year.

As I journeyed, my fascination with plants began with their role as captivating art subjects and evolved into a passion for caring for and collecting them. My house slowly turned into a jungle and I became obsessed with learning everything I could about plants. Exploring the distinct care needs of each plant type and delving into the vast array of rare varieties captivated my curiosity, prompting me to learn as much as possible. I dreamed of one day being able to open my own business where plants and art could be showcased together. I had a vision and would constantly imagine all of the details, how the shop would look, how I would blend plants and art together into something cohesive. When an opportunity arose, I jumped right in and took the chance on myself with my ‘artsy plant shop’ as I like to call it. At Eccentric Garden Plant Shop, you will find a haven of beautiful plants accompanied by my own nature inspired art and unique finds from other local artists. In my shop, I’ve carefully selected skilled artisans who specialize not only in plant-related creations but also in other unique and eccentric items such as bugs, bones, crystals, and more. Their work contributes to the distinctive atmosphere I envisioned when I decided to open the shop. Helping artists grow by allowing them a space to share their work is something I am so excited to be able to do.

Eccentric Garden collaborates with a local brewery to offer monthly classes under the ‘Pots & Pints’ series. These engaging sessions cover diverse topics like moss wall art, succulent terrarium building, and macrame plant shelves, with many more themes in the works. It’s a fun way to actively involve the community, supporting both the plant shop and the brewery. Typically combining art and plants, these classes include activities like repotting, plant doctoring, and expert advice on issues like pot size and soil refreshment. I’m passionate about plants and always ready to share my knowledge, so feel free to bring any questions you may have! Regarding the shop itself, I believe its unusual blend of eccentric art and moody aesthetics truly sets it apart. Returning customers know they can find not only plants, but also wonderful and creative gifts. Non-plant items you will find at Eccentric Garden include resin jewelry made with real plants and flowers, tasteful insect taxidermy, glass blown plant stakes, original artworks and painted animal skulls.

I take pride in facing the challenges of venturing into something as daunting and unpredictable as opening my own business. Despite the initial awareness that the first few years would be the most challenging, I encountered moments where it was difficult to pay myself and contemplated walking away due to the overwhelming drain. Nevertheless, I held onto my belief in both myself and my passions, focusing on taking each step that brought me closer to my vision. Connecting with like-minded individuals who have successfully realized similar visions became crucial, as did absorbing knowledge from books on inspiration and business building, and participating in informative seminars. The commitment to going all in and doing whatever it takes to succeed became paramount. Though still navigating through the challenges of my first year, I am determined to continue growing. Every day presents an opportunity to enhance my skills as a business owner, multitasker, and promoter, making it feel like an intricate balancing act. Juggling both my storefront and art career can be demanding, yet the reward lies in witnessing them converge in one remarkable space. During moments of struggle, I look around at what I’ve created so far, reinforcing the sense that this is where I truly belong.

What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?

Running a physical storefront versus an online business places a significant emphasis on word of mouth and fostering repeat customers. I’ve always cherished the opportunity to build genuine connections with people. Going beyond the transactional aspect to know my clientele on a personal level is not only important but also immensely gratifying. My background as a bartender instilled in me the joy of forming relationships with customers, some of whom evolved into friends or even a feeling of family over the years. When you visit my shop for a plant, it’s not just about helping you find what you’re looking for; I also want to know about you. Remembering customers by name and learning a bit about their lives during our interactions is something I genuinely enjoy. I believe this not only establishes a great sense of trust but also increases the likelihood that they’ll choose my business over others.

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

In my first year of business, I’m actively shaping my reputation, and a key factor distinguishing my venture is the eclectic blend of art alongside a diverse array of plants, underscored by meticulous attention to detail and plant care. I take immense pride in ensuring the optimal health of my plants, dedicating numerous hours each week to provide them with proper sunlight, timely watering, and protection against pests. Unlike typical retail products, my inventory is alive, and the vitality of these plants is crucial to attracting and retaining customers. Sharing my passion for plants with customers is something I genuinely enjoy. Providing comprehensive care advice for their new plants, guiding them on nursing sick plants back to health, and offering in-store assistance for plant diagnoses are services I’m eager to extend. Crafting my own soil mixtures tailored to various plant types ensures that when it’s time for repotting or fresh soil, your plant receives the best care. Maintaining a consistently replenished and diverse range of plants in the store is a strategy to continually entice customers. I strive to create an ever-changing shopping experience by rearranging items each week, ensuring there’s always something new for customers to discover and explore.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.eccentricgarden.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/eccentricgardenplantshop
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/eccentricgarden