Today we’d like to introduce you to Lakeisha Jones.
Lakeisha, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I was working in IT remotely from home for 13 years. I lacked a desire to do so anymore. I did not know what I wanted to do but I know I have always wanted a retail space. Since my first job in retail I have always desired to be in a retail setting but knowing I wanted to work for myself. I took on a knack for plants many years ago. My mom always had plants in the house, but what grew my interest is that I had an empty space in my home and thought that something green would be fitting. I went out and purchased a plant with no experience and I unalived it. My mom took notice and tried to help by giving me advice and she purchased me a snake plant and said that I should be able to take care of it… and I did. When I’m interested in something, I become obsessed. I wanted to succeed at plants and needed to understand them. I eventually did my homework and decided to purchase another plant, which let to another and another until I had an entire plant room. I eventually strayed away from the common stuff and immersed myself in the community of rare plants. Where we would buy, sell, and trade plants. A small hustle started there but I was still left unfulfilled in my career. I knew how to sew, so I borrowed my mom’s sewing machine and started sewing pillows as I was pursing interior decorating which was a passion of mine.
I found that wasn’t my jam. I was on Facebook one day and saw someone post a plant pot that they glued fabric to – which I thought was an amazing idea because finding aesthetically pleasing pots was hard for me. I thought I could do one better and sew a plant pot from fabric. Which was how I launched my Etsy store. My Etsy store was doing well but not enough to quit my job. My daughters would tell me I should start a plant store, It was fitting and I decided to pursue it and figure out how to get started, I picked a day to quit my job to focus on my passion and in the process, I saw a post from the Villiage Market looking for small businesses to be the first to open on the Atlanta Beltline. I thought about how you miss every shot you don’t take and submitted my application. About a month later, I was called to interview. I eventually quit my job without a plan and no sooner than a week later I was emailed and told I was selected. I’ve been writing my story ever since.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
Nothing worth it, is ever without a bit of a struggle. For me learning to operate a business and being confident in my choices has been a struggle. When you are used to working for someone else and having a manager to assist in difficult decisions becomes a safety blanket. In entrepreneurship, you are the person making the choices and these choices can affect you personally and your business.
As you know, we’re big fans of PinkPothos. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
PinkPothos is a lifestyle plant shop. Not only do I have plants but I have accessories, home goods, and other lifestyle products circled around plant life. My niche is working with customers to help them determine a plant that would fit with their needs. I’d often hear from friends that they wish they had a green thumb but we all do. It is about knowing what to do. So I take my time to talk to my customers to see what their life is like, what they can commit to as far as maintenance and pair them with someone I believe would be a good fit. I give specific instructions and I’m proud to say that I’ve had so many customers who have successfully taken care of their plant baby that they have purchased from me and return to purchase another. Having plants in your space brings joy because watching them grown up and knowing that you did that is priceless.
The crisis has affected us all in different ways. How has it affected you and any important lessons or epiphanies you can share with us?
I learned how important mental health is for everyone. Spending so much time in the house – disconnected from close ones during Covid, people turned to plants to relieve stress & to connect with something. There have been studies that say that people have less anxiety and stress levels when they are in a room or working in a room full of plants.
Pricing:
- Plant repotting starts at $8
- Plant sitting starts at $20 a day
- Weekly plant care starts at $35 per week
- Home consult $50 / hr
Contact Info:
- Website: www.pinkpothosatl.com
- Instagram: @PinkPothosATL
- Facebook: @PinkPothosATL
Image Credits
@CelebrityMediaTV
