July 2024 - 53

LESSON 3
Location, location, location. A good
location is a must for a retail business.
Sykesville was voted one of America's
Coolest and Best Small Towns. It is a
charming street packed with many
small businesses and a handful of
wonderful restaurants. I always
loved going to Sykesville to shop,
eat and meet up with friends. I
knew immediately that a houseplant
shop would be a wonderful addition
to this destination town. Sykesville
3
is heavily trafficked and easily
accessible.
LESSON 4
Connect with the local community.
You might have a wonderful location but
there will always be people who haven't heard of
you. So how do you reach them? I have a very good
social media presence on both Instagram and Facebook.
What about the people who aren't on social media?
Becoming a member of the county chamber of
commerce has proven to be a worthwhile endeavor.
The chamber advertises to a demographic beyond
typical social media, but more importantly, it has
been a network of contacts, resources and
local businesses with whom I have been
able to lean on for guidance and advice.
Being involved with the chamber
and sponsoring events allows for networking
opportunities, connecting with people in the
community and building partnerships with other
businesses. Getting your name and your business
name out there by talking face to face has been one of
the best marketing strategies for me.
LESSON 5
Give back to the community that gives to you.
Giving back has always been a huge pillar of my
business. Every month I choose a local nonprofit
to donate a portion of my monthly sales to. This is
another opportunity for continuing my community
connections. Additionally, I wanted to hire individuals
who are neurodiverse. My younger brother is
neurodiverse and because of him I have had the
opportunity to be connected to this community
all my life. I want to be an employer who provides
opportunities to those that might not receive
it elsewhere.
Hannah Brookfield is the founder of BotaniGal. She is a
member of GPN's 40 Under 40 Class of 2023 and can be
reached at botanigal@yahoo.com.
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5
40 UNDER 40 PERSPECTIVES
LESSON 6
Not everyone will like your business, and that is okay.
The community has been very supportive of
BotaniGal and 99% of the feedback I have
received about my business has been positive
except for one not so great Google review.
Initially, I was distraught over it. I took it
personally, but ultimately you can be the
ripest peach on the vine and there will always
be someone who doesn't like peaches.
Even on the hard days, the experience of
business ownership has been incredible. I
started with two small stands in the back of a
farm market, and today I am in my second brick
and mortar location. Anytime someone comes to
me wanting to start a business I always urge them
to do so, but you don't have to do it alone. Your
customers and community are a huge support system,
and I've learned it's important to use them.
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Grow Your Business
& Transform Your
Community
Learn how America in Bloom
connects consumers to your
products and services.
Participation in America in Bloom
creates opportunities for horticultural
businesses to showcase the
value of plants and landscapes in
communities.
Learn how at AmericaInBloom.org
GREENHOUSE PRODUCT NEWS 53
http://www.AmericaInBloom.org
July 2024

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of July 2024
