Today we’d like to introduce you to Sadie Lebo.
Hi Sadie, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
So my family always says that I got the curse! It was about four years ago that I got really into plants. I just started filling my home with them. Not only was my house a jungle, but I was also a natural at taking care of them! Which was no surprise to my family, because I come from a long line of growers! My mother’s side of the family came over from Italy and established greenhouses in 1969. My mother now owns those greenhouses (Bernacchi’s Oak Valley in La Porte, IN).
Growing up, I never had much interest in plants – but now I feel very connected to them. Not only for the life and energy they bring to any space, but also for the deep roots they have within my family. This job has allowed me to work alongside my mother, grandparents and many other family members.
I moved to Atlanta to work in the film industry. I actually spent my entire adult life going to school for film and working on sets. I am grateful for those years and opportunities, but during my last year of it something just clicked. I wanted to find a way to not only work amongst plants, but also have more time with my family – that is how Plant Sade began!
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It was really hard to quit my other job. I think we all become identified with our jobs and roles in life. Growing up, all I ever wanted to do was work on movie sets, and then there I was doing it…and then I wanted to walk away? That is a really hard thing to come to terms with, but I am so happy I did. Like a breakup, I had so many great memories and I will cherish what it gave to my life – but I was ready to move on, I was ready to grow – literally!
Another difficult thing is money of course, quitting a job and starting a business is financially really hard. I was really lucky to have my mom’s support throughout it all. I was able to learn a lot from her about the plant business and she helped me get started with my first batch of plants.
Another obstacle is space… plants need space and a very specific kind of space! I really jumped into this idea before I had the space for it. My shop started out at my boyfriend and I’s condo downtown Atlanta with our three cats. That was a very interesting time to say the least haha! I now have a giant screened-in porch and small greenhouse. I also work out of my mother’s greenhouses during the spring season.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Plant Sade & Bernacchi?
Plant Sade is the Atlanta sister shop of Bernacchi’s Oak Valley in La Porte, IN – A greenhouse that was established in 1969.
This is a completely family-run business that specializes in succulents, houseplants, and personally crafted plant creations.
Most of Plant Sade’s custom work involves one-of-a-kind antiques found across the states of Tennessee, Kentucky, and Indiana.
Plants are grown in both Indiana and Georgia, with a majority of them being personally traveled 676 miles between the states! We offer pick-up and delivery to Atlanta and the surrounding area – which includes Decatur, Vinings, Tucker, Woodstock, Roswell, Alpharetta, Marietta, Stone Mountain.
What matters most to you? Why?
What matters most to me is that this job lets me work with two things I love – plants & family. I try to always stay mindful about that when I am working. It’s easy with any business to get hung up on the profits or the budgets, which can easily make things stressful – but I really try to always stay centered as to why I am doing this. A motto I have for my business – and for any business – is that it is already successful. The moment you start a new business, you are successful in even making it to that step. Success is what we decide it to be. Success is not about how much money you make or how many people know about your shop. The fact that I get to work with plants and my family – that is success in my book!
Contact Info:
- Email: plantsade@gmail,com
- Website: plantsade.com
- Instagram: @plantsade
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/plantsade
