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

Alright, Matt thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. What’s the backstory behind how you came up with the idea for your business?

Clay & Sprouts was born from two of our biggest passions: sustainability and plants. My wife, Courtney, and I have always been avid thrifters, and we’re also plant enthusiasts who can never resist adding a new green friend to our collection.

It all started one afternoon when we came across a set of charming tea cups at a local thrift store. We thought, “These would make such cute little planters.” That spark of inspiration quickly turned into action – we potted some of our plants in those tea cups, and the result was even better than we imagined.

From there, we started experimenting, pushing the boundaries of what a “planter” could be. Cookie jars, teapots, vintage coffee pots – anything with character became fair game. Each vessel had its own story, and pairing them with the perfect plant felt like creating something truly one-of-a-kind.

What really fueled our excitement was seeing how others responded. People loved the idea of giving these forgotten treasures a new purpose while also adding something vibrant and alive to their spaces. We realized we weren’t just creating planters; we were solving a problem for people who wanted sustainable, unique, and meaningful ways to bring greenery into their homes.

Fast forward to today, and Clay and Sprouts has grown into a full-fledged business that combines our love for plants and thrifting with our commitment to sustainability. Every piece we create feels like a tiny work of art, and it’s incredibly rewarding to know that our passion resonates with others who share the same values!

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

We’re Matt and Courtney, the heart behind Clay and Sprouts. We’re Baltimore locals who share a deep love for plants, sustainability, and creativity. Clay and Sprouts is the perfect blend of those passions – a small business where we take unique thrifted vessels and repurpose them as beautiful, functional planters.

What sets us apart is our commitment to the details. Every plant is carefully matched with a vessel, considering size, aesthetic, and the plant’s care needs. Whether it’s a teapot or a coffee mug, we create pieces that are as practical as they are visually striking.

What we’re most proud of is the community we’ve built. It’s incredibly rewarding to hear from customers who say their Clay and Sprouts planter brightens their space, sparks conversations, or inspires their own creativity. It’s not just about selling a product; it’s about sharing a lifestyle that celebrates individuality and sustainability!

Can you tell us the story behind how you met your business partner?

Courtney and I are actually high school sweethearts! We met as teenagers and made a long-distance relationship work through college. After years of distance, we were thrilled to finally get married in 2022.

Our love for plants is something that has always connected us. When we moved in together, we merged our collections into a vibrant indoor jungle that reflects both of our personalities. This shared passion laid the foundation for Clay and Sprouts. It feels amazing to now run a business together that combines our love for each other, for plants, and for sustainability!

Alright – let’s talk about marketing or sales – do you have any fun stories about a risk you’ve taken or something else exciting on the sales and marketing side?

One of our favorite stories comes from our decision to try something new in how we sell our plants. While pop-ups and markets were a great start, we wanted to reach people in a fresh way. That’s when we decided to take a leap and design an Instagram drop series.

We put a lot of thought into it – styling the plants and vessels for photos, creating engaging captions, and carefully planning the timing. To boost visibility, we took the risk of paying to promote the drop. It was nerve-wracking, not knowing if it would work, but the results exceeded our expectations!

Not only did the drop sell out, but it also introduced us to new followers and repeat customers who’ve continued to support us. The experience proved that taking risks in marketing can really pay off, and it’s now an approach we regularly incorporate into our business.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/clay_and_sprouts