We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Monique Segovia. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Monique below.
Monique, appreciate you joining us today. So let’s jump to your mission – what’s the backstory behind how you developed the mission that drives your brand?
The Brown Thumb is a minority-owned business dedicated to fostering a love for plants within the community while promoting mental health and self-care. With a passion for plants and a commitment to breaking the stigma surrounding self-care in minority communities, We aim to educate people about the benefits of nurturing plants and how it can positively impact mental well-being. By providing resources, workshops, and products tailored to plant care and mindfulness, the company seeks to create a supportive environment where individuals can thrive both personally and within their communities. Through its dedication to excellence and community empowerment, So, we’re not just “a plant shop”, we strive to make a significant and lasting impact, contributing to a giving back to our people and ending the stigma behind mental health being an “unattractive” topic.
Monique, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
“The Brown Thumb” is a passion project born out of my lifelong love for plants and the profound sense of peace they bring me. As someone who has struggled with anxiety, I discovered solace and tranquility in caring for my plants. This journey led me to create “The Brown Thumb,” a business that not only celebrates the beauty of plants but also promotes mental health and self-care within minority communities.
Our store offers a unique blend of plants and self-care products, reflecting our belief that nurturing greenery and prioritizing self-care go hand in hand. We aim to shatter stereotypes by showing that plant enthusiasts come from all walks of life, and anyone can find joy and fulfillment in cultivating their own green oasis.
What sets us apart is our commitment to fostering inclusivity and representation in the plant community. As a black and brown-owned business, we take pride in providing a space where people who look like us can feel seen and supported in pursuing their plant-related passions.
I’m most proud of the sense of community we’ve built and the positive impact we’ve had on individuals’ lives. By offering a diverse range of products and resources, we empower our clients to prioritize their well-being and find joy in the simple act of nurturing plants.
Ultimately, we want potential clients, followers, and fans to know that “The Brown Thumb” is more than just a business; it’s a movement dedicated to promoting mental health, self-care, and representation in the plant community. We invite everyone to join us on this journey of growth, healing, and connection with nature.
We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?
Recognizing the importance of seeking assistance has been a valuable lesson in my journey as a business owner. While initially, I held onto a sense of pride in handling everything independently, I’ve come to understand that success often relies on collaboration and reaching out for support when necessary. Wearing multiple hats as a business owner has underscored the necessity of seeking help from others, demonstrating that it’s not about being superior to anyone else, but rather about fostering a sense of community and mutual support. This shift in perspective has shown me the importance of leaning on others, including my neighbors, during times of need, ultimately contributing to a more successful and fulfilling entrepreneurial journey.
What else should we know about how you took your side hustle and scaled it up into what it is today?
Yes, my side hustle did indeed evolve into my full-time business. Before starting “The Brown Thumb,” I had a career in corporate that I initially thought would be my lifelong path. However, as time went on, I began to realize the toll it was taking on my mental health. This realization prompted me to explore other avenues, leading me to pursue my passion for plants and community through “The Brown Thumb.”
I started “The Brown Thumb” as a side hustle while still working in corporate. For two years, I juggled both responsibilities, dedicating my free time to nurturing my business. During this period, I saved diligently, laying the groundwork for eventually transitioning “The Brown Thumb” into my full-time career.
Key milestones in this journey included establishing a strong online presence through social media, building relationships within the plant community, and expanding our product offerings to include unique self-care items alongside plants. As our customer base grew, we were able to invest more resources into the business, eventually reaching a point where “The Brown Thumb” became financially sustainable as my primary source of income.
Today, I am proud to say that “The Brown Thumb” has flourished into a thriving business, providing a supportive space for plant enthusiasts and promoting mental health and self-care within minority communities. The transition from side hustle to full-time endeavor was not without its challenges, but it has been incredibly rewarding to see the impact we’ve been able to make along the way.
Contact Info:
- Website: TheBrownThumb.org
- Instagram: https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=&ved=2ahUKEwjPu6Ttx5yEAxV8pIkEHYc5Bl8QFnoECB0QAQ&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.instagram.com%2Fthe.brownthumb%2F%3Fhl%3Den&usg=AOvVaw3EnZBEx1gcAWN7WcN0tJlP&opi=89978449
- Facebook: https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=&ved=2ahUKEwjPu6Ttx5yEAxV8pIkEHYc5Bl8QFnoECCMQAQ&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FTheBrownThumb%2F&usg=AOvVaw2sDnL_DNPrk33EoOGerRiY&opi=89978449