Today we’d like to introduce you to Thairies Lopez.
Hi Thairies, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
We are a small family owned business. My husband and I started this year in January 2022. I have been obsessed with succulents my whole life and always wanted to make arrangements with them. Becoming a stay at home in 2020 was what got me going. I didn’t want to lose myself in being a mom and wanted something I can do for me. Something that fills my soul. So I started researching about succulents and began my personal collection. This collection quickly grew as my art flowed naturally into making arrangements and in ground succulent gardens. I can’t get enough of them. Making arrangements is an art form and I am blessed to have the opportunity to journey through it. My husband, Brandon, helps me with all the packaging, organizing, digging, making our soil and so much more.
He especially helps me with keeping a positive attitude and making sure I am enjoying what I’m doing.
Our son is now 19 months old and he joins us in all the fun. We have made two in ground gardens in our home with a third on standby.
I have made a few custom order arrangements.
So far my business has grown thanks to word of mouth and Instagram.
On March 26 at 3pm, I’ll be launching my first IG sale and I’m praying it’ll go well.
Our goal is to be able to fill your house and hearts with beautiful, healthy succulents.
Our best friends Ashley and Manny Peralta from Izandliv_films have been a great help to us. With their example and sharing their experiences on how to go from a hobby to a business. Also, our friend Tania from Cherie’s Mini, has been very encouraging. And of course, Mailyn Rios with Calma Organics has showed us that with dedication and researching you can grow.
I’ve learned that all it takes is to try, keep trying and being consistent. I don’t have long in this business at all and it’s still very nerve wrecking to put my art out there in fear of getting criticized but I am trying to hush the negative thoughts and focus on doing what I love for me. If someone ends up loving what I do then that’s a bonus.
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?
The hardest part of this journey has been self doubt. Feeling like my arrangements and garden designs aren’t good enough or that there are better ones out there. It’s especially hard when using social media to promote your business. The amount likes and comments tend to get to your head. This is where my kind hearted and patient husband comes in and asks me questions to get me to think of what really matters and points out things that are more important than the amount of likes.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I consider myself a botanical artist. My passion is making arrangements and gardens with succulents. What sets me apart from others is how my arrangements flow and mold together. They look like they’ve always belonged. When I’m done making them I walk away and come back to look at them. If I feel peace and smile with every inch of it then I know my masterpiece is done. In addition, we make our own soil mix that has proven to be efficient in growing succulents in Florida with all the rain showers and humidity they get. The correct soil enables the succulents to adapt and tolerate the excess water, making them grow beautifully. We have pre-made arrangements, take custom orders, make garden designs and sell individual succulents.
I also enjoy educating others on the proper care for succulents. Helping them learn and understand what are saying. Succulents tell us what they. Once you understand this you too can be successful with succulents.
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
For the past 4 years or so, I had been contemplating starting my own business. I went back and forth with many ideas. Then one day I sat down and wrote down all my ideas and started writing pros and cons. Keeping in mind the area I live in. I spoke a lot with Manny and Ashley from IzandLiv_films and they shared their perspective with me. In addition I did my research on starting a business and prayed about if this could benefit me and my family. I felt peace in my heart when I prayed, like God was giving me his blessing. I observed Instagram accounts with similar ideas to mine and watched YouTube channels of established succulent gardeners from California. Until one day I stopped talking about it and made the announcement on IG that I was open for business.
Pricing:
- Individual succulents starting at $3
- Succulent arrangements starting at $27
- Succulent gardens starting at $350
Contact Info:
- Email: sunlightnsucculents@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/sunlightandsucculents?utm_medium=copy_link
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sunlightnsucculents/
