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

Yuliya, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Let’s jump right into how you came up with the idea?

Thank you for your interest in my moss foraging business! Let me take you on a journey of how this idea came to be. As someone who has always had a deep love for plants and nature, my journey began with a simple hobby of creating terrariums and miniature gardens. I found joy and fulfillment in nurturing these tiny ecosystems, and I quickly realized that I wanted to share this passion with others.
Living in the Pacific Northwest, surrounded by lush greenery and vibrant ecosystems, I felt inspired by the natural beauty around me. I began to explore different ways to incorporate nature into indoor spaces, and that’s when I discovered the enchanting world of moss. Moss, with its delicate beauty and ability to thrive in various environments, captured my heart. I found myself drawn to its versatility and the way it could transform any space into a tranquil oasis. It was during this exploration that the foraging business idea started to take shape.
The logic behind this endeavor stemmed from my belief in the therapeutic benefits of plants and nature. Research has shown that surrounding ourselves with greenery can reduce stress, improve mood, and enhance overall well-being. I knew that by offering carefully curated moss varieties, along with guidance on creating and caring for terrariums and fairy gardens, I could provide a valuable service to others. By focusing on a specific plant (moss) and its applications in terrariums, fairy gardens, and small-scale green spaces, this creative service occupies a distinct niche within the broader plant and gardening market, allowing it to attract and serve a unique audience of enthusiasts with specialized needs and interests.
My commitment to sustainability and pesticide-free practices reinforced my belief that this business could succeed. I understood the importance of preserving our natural resources and wanted to ensure that my products aligned with these values. By focusing on a specific plant (moss) and its applications in terrariums, fairy gardens, and small-scale green spaces, this creative services business occupies a distinct niche within the broader plant and gardening market, allowing it to attract and serve a unique audience of enthusiasts with specialized needs and interests. Live moss for terrariums and fairy gardens is not commonly found in traditional plant nurseries or garden centers. I offer a unique and specialized product; the business fills a gap in the market and appeals to a distinct segment of customers who are looking for something different and specific for their indoor green spaces.
As I embarked on this entrepreneurial journey, I felt a mix of excitement, determination, and a deep sense of purpose. I was fueled by the prospect of turning my passion for plants and nature into a tangible and fulfilling business venture. The idea of sharing something I deeply cared about with others and being able to make a positive impact on their lives was exhilarating. However, alongside excitement, there was also a strong undercurrent of determination. I knew that building a successful business from the ground up would require hard work, perseverance, and dedication. I was prepared to face the inevitable challenges and setbacks that come with entrepreneurship, knowing that my unwavering commitment to my vision would see me through even the toughest of times.
I believe wholeheartedly in the transformative power of plants and nature to enhance people’s lives, improve well-being, and foster a deeper connection with the world around us. This belief fueled my desire to create a business that not only offered high-quality products but also served as a conduit for education, inspiration, and community-building.
Thank you for allowing me to share my story, and I hope you’ll join me on this journey of bringing a bit of nature into your life.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

Hello! I’m Yuliya, the founder of PacificMossWest and I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to share my story with you. My journey into the world of moss began with a passion for exploring the outdoors and a love for nature. As a child, I spent countless hours exploring forests, gardens, and different landscapes, captivated by the beauty and serenity of it all. As I grew older, the aesthetic appeal of moss began to further fascinate me. Its unique characteristics and the myriad of benefits it brings to both indoor and outdoor environments. Mosses are ancient plants that have been thriving on Earth for millions of years, and their resilience and adaptability make them fascinating subjects of study and admiration. With its lush green color, soft texture, and intricate patterns, moss adds a touch of natural beauty to any space. Whether covering the forest floor, clinging to rocks and tree trunks, or adorning the walls of buildings, mosses have a serene and enchanting quality that captivates the eye and soothes the soul. It was this passion and creativity that ultimately led me to establish PacificMossWest. A brand that specialized in providing high-quality, sustainably sourced moss for terrariums, fairy gardens, and other small-scale green spaces. At PacificMossWest, I offer a curated selection of live moss varieties, carefully handpicked from the Pacific Northwest. I take great care to ensure that the moss is collected sustainably. I only gather moss from areas where it is abundant and not at risk of being endangered. I also make sure to only take a small amount at a time, so as not to damage the surrounding ecosystem. To further promote growth and sustainability, I carefully replant and propagate the moss after collecting it. To ensure that my practices are fully compliant, all local/national laws and regulations, regarding moss collection, are followed. You can be confident that the moss you purchase from me has been ethically and sustainably sourced.
PacificMossWest is more than just a business—it’s a labor of love, a celebration of nature, and a testament to the power of greenery to transform lives. I take immense pride in the positive impact our products and services have on our customers. Working with moss, whether tending to a terrarium or simply admiring its beauty in nature, can have a calming and grounding effect on the mind and body. Many people find solace in the simple act of connecting with nature, and mosses offer a tangible and accessible way to experience that connection. I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to share my passion and connect with fellow moss enthusiasts around the globe. My greatest joy comes from seeing our customers’ creativity flourish as they embark on their own green journeys, and I’m deeply humbled to play a part in bringing a bit of nature into their lives.
I want potential clients, followers, and fans to know that PacificMossWest is more than just a business—it’s a celebration of the beauty, wonder, and magic of the natural world. I invite you to join us on this journey of discovery, creativity, and connection. Together, let’s cultivate a greener, more vibrant world—one terrarium at a time!

Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?

When I first started my journey on social media, I knew that building a presence would be crucial for connecting with like-minded individuals, sharing my passion for moss, and showcasing my products and services. I started the @pacificmosswest Instagram page using the strategies below:

1.Identifying my niche: I started by defining my niche within the broader realm of plants and botanical design. By specializing in live moss for terrariums and fairy gardens, I was able to carve out a unique space for myself in the market and attract a specific audience of moss enthusiasts and nature lovers. I started following other moss/terrarium making pages and used specific hashtags to attract an audience.
2.Creating quality content: I focused on creating high-quality, visually appealing content that would resonate with my target audience. This included taking aesthetic photos of my moss collections and terrariums and creating engaging videos showcasing the beauty of indoor gardening.
3.Consistency is key: I made a commitment by posting regularly on Instagram and Facebook. Whether it was sharing daily updates, responding to comments and messages, or participating in relevant conversations within the community, I made sure to show up consistently and authentically and engage with my audience to build a solid reputation.
4.Using social media tools: I took advantage of the various tools and features offered by social media platforms to enhance my presence and reach. This included using hashtags to increase visibility, collaborating with influencers and fellow creators, experimenting with different formats such as stories, reels, and live videos to keep my content fresh and engaging. Paid advertising is a great took to promote your business and visibility on Instagram.
5. Providing value: Above all, I focused on providing value to my audience by sharing interesting facts, inspiration, and resources related to moss and terrarium design. Whether it’s offering exclusive discounts and promotions, or providing behind-the-scenes glimpses into my creative process, I always aimed to enrich and inspire my followers’ lives.
For those just starting to build their social media presence, my advice would be to stay true to yourself, stay consistent, and stay engaged with your audience. Find your niche, create content that resonates with your target audience, and prioritize building genuine relationships with your followers. Keep learning, keep growing, and keep sharing your passion with the world!

Any thoughts, advice, or strategies you can share for fostering brand loyalty?

Keeping in touch with clients and fostering brand loyalty is essential for building long-lasting relationships and maximizing customer satisfaction. Over 35% of my business comes from returning customers. Here are some strategies I use to achieve this:

1.Personalized communication: I strive to maintain open and personalized communication with my clients, whether it’s through email, social media updates, or one-on-one interactions. By addressing clients by name, acknowledging their preferences and interests, and tailoring my messages to their needs, I create a more meaningful connection.
2.Regular updates and engagement: I keep my clients informed and engaged by providing regular updates about new products, promotions, and events. I always keep them up to date on the timeline of my production process so that they remain confident in my work. By staying active and accessible, I ensure that my brand remains top of mind for my clients and s
3.Exceptional customer service: I prioritize delivering exceptional customer service at every touchpoint, whether it’s responding promptly to inquiries, resolving issues quickly and effectively, or going above and beyond to exceed expectations. By providing a positive and seamless experience, I instill confidence and trust in my brand, encouraging repeat business and referrals.
4.Loyalty rewards: I incentivize repeat purchases and encourage brand loyalty by offering discounts, and rewards to my clients. This may include exclusive access to special offers and discounts, that incentivize continued engagement and purchases.
5.Building a sense of community: I foster a sense of community among my clients on social media by posting their creations, with their permission, and showcasing their beautiful work with others. On Instagram by clients can make meaningful connections around their shared interests in my brand and products.
By implementing these strategies, I am able to keep in touch with my clients, nurture strong relationships, and foster brand loyalty that extends far beyond individual transactions.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://pacificmosswest.com/
• Instagram: @pacificmosswest
• Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/100089884931992/
• Other: Etsy: https://pacificmosswest.etsy.com