We were lucky to catch up with Maddi Vohland recently and have shared our conversation below.

Maddi, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Coming up with the idea is so exciting, but then comes the hard part – executing. Too often the media ignores the execution part and goes from idea to success, skipping over the nitty, gritty details of executing in the early days. We think that’s a disservice both to the entrepreneurs who built something amazing as well as the public who isn’t getting a realistic picture of what it takes to succeed. So, we’d really appreciate if you could open up about your execution story – how did you go from idea to execution?

The process of my idea to execution went quicker than I ever expected! I was working my 9-5 job struggling to make ends meet. I knew there had to be another way I could help make extra money for my family. It was June of 2020, I had just had my third daughter and it was in the middle of the pandemic. I was struggling with the fact that I did not get paid for my maternity leave besides using my very little PTO I had saved up. I ended up having to go back earlier than expected. This just didn’t seem right to me.

Through the pandemic the interest in plants skyrocketed. With me having the hobby of keeping houseplants for years I thought of how I’d love to share my passion with others. We did not have anywhere around us that offered houseplants besides big box stores or you’d have to travel to the city. With lots of brainstorming and research I went to my husband and told him I want to start selling plants from home and see how it goes. With the ultimate dream of running my own plant shop where I can sell plants and host workshops. He didn’t hesitate and said let’s go for it!

So, January 2021 I launched my in home business selling houseplants, terrariums, Kokedama balls and fun fairy gardens. Everyone seemed to love this idea and kept me very busy! I ended up quitting my 9-5 job in February and took and part time job doing in home health care where I could take my girls along with me and still do my plant side gig.

As, a few months passed and I got seemingly busier. We discovered the most perfect location in downtown Batesville that was located in an old factory building, was available for rent. I fell completely in love with the space. It has a very vintage feel with the most beautiful original wood flooring. We jumped on this opportunity and I went full time at the shop and opened our doors to the community at the end of May 2021. It was a dream come true!

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

Our name ‘Sunshine Sisters’ came from our three daughters. A lot of people think this business is led by my sister and I but it’s really named after my girls. They are ultimately ‘my why’ behind taking this leap of faith!

Our shop offers more than just houseplants! We also offer planters, soil and plant care accessories. Along with that we also offer locally made items from local artists. Handmade earrings, planters, soaps, macrame and etc. I want to help other creatives promote their work and this is a way for me to help!

Additionally we also offer re-potting services, workshops and plant rentals for events.

This year we were also able to expand our shop a bit! We are now a refillery. A refillery is a store where customers can refill their own reusable containers with personal care & household products to reduce packaging waste. This is a new avenue for us but is something I’m passionate about and happy to be able to offer it at our shop. We will be focusing on all planty things + zero waste/non-toxic living. All the products offered will be all natural and free from toxins.

How did you put together the initial capital you needed to start your business?

When I was growing up my grandmother loved Christmas. We would have all these beautiful Christmas’ and she showered us with gifts. After she passed away, my grandfather then started to give each grandchild a check to spend on whatever they’d like instead of gifts. So that year, I spent my Christmas check on my first inventory for the shop. As, I was still working my full time job, I kept saving what I would make from my side gig to purchase more to get my business going successfully.

Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?

Social media. As exhausting as social media can be it truly is a great tool to build your business. Along with that, being knowledgeable on what you sell. People want to come in and know about the plants, what would work best for them and the space they have for them. Being present at the time of purchase is so helpful for them in succeeding in becoming a plant parent!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://sunshine-sisters.square.site/
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/sunshinesisters.plantshop?igshid=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sunshinesistersbatesville?mibextid=LQQJ4d

Image Credits
Crystal Lawburgh Photography – Greensburg, IN Indiana Soul – Greensburg, IN