We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Maypop a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Maypop thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Let’s kick things off with your mission – what is it and what’s the story behind why it’s your mission?
Maypop was founded on a mission of mindful operations and community education. Through transparent business practices, eco-friendly partners, and passionate staff, Maypop is incorporating and instilling a deep love and understanding of social and environmental sustainability into its community.
Maypop, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
“What about a coffee + plant shop…?” With that question, a seed was planted. After careful consideration, tons of research, and a trusted friendship & partnership between three women, Maypop was born. Established in 2018, Maypop put down roots in a quiet, historic neighborhood in the heart of Webster Groves, Missouri. Situated on what used to be a bustling streetcar stop, the Maypop building was once a large family residence. It’s only fitting that Maypop would become a gathering place for individuals from a variety of locations and backgrounds.
Maypop is committed to fostering a deeper understanding and connection to our environment and our roles within it. An ecofriendly lifestyle is attainable, and Maypop empowers its patrons to pursue it through thoughtful, intentional landscaping and gardening. Maypop provides a unique selection of indoor and outdoor spaces as well as planting and care instructions to ensure a healthy, successful growing experience. Maypop selects plants appropriate for the season and region and sources products from vendors committed to sustainable practices.
At Maypop, we believe we are one small component of the rich, biodiverse ecosystem. We are committed to growth and betterment by providing a safe, welcoming environment for individuals of all backgrounds. Maypop is a place to gather, connect, and enjoy specialty coffee, teas, and baked goods. With events and workshops, Maypop is a space for the community to enjoy local art and creations, and reconnect with the creator within us all.
How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?
I think we all learned new approaches to being, creating, and growing in 2020. We went from a front-facing coffee and plant shop to an online shop with curbside service. This pivot illuminated how to better engage with our customers, growers, and suppliers, and to work more efficiently with supply and demand. With folks spending more time indoors at first, and then more time outdoors as weather permitted, the change in trends organically changed our business model and ways of responding to customer needs and desires. We were also able to gauge areas of improvement with infrastructure, staff morale, and work life balance, and come out with a more sound foundation for growth.
Can you tell us the story behind how you met your business partner?
The three original founders of Maypop met and were coworkers at another independent garden center. It was during this time that they decided some components were missing from their idea of a modern garden shop. Their vision also included the concept of wanting to expand the dialogue about the plant world with the community. By combining the communal aspect of coffee with plants, the founders hoped to meet folks where they are and provide a welcoming gateway to returning to nature. Backed by one founder’s specialty coffee industry experience, the trio launched Maypop Coffee & Garden Shop right before Mother’s Day 2018.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.maypopshop.com/
- Instagram: maypop_shop
- Facebook: @maypopshop
- Other: tik tok: maypopshop
Image Credits
The images of Maypop were taken by me, Mackenzie Leek, Digital Marketing Coordinator & Events Manager Original founders – Laura Tetley, Tammy Behm, Laura Caldie, photo taken by past employee Maddie