LOCAL SPOTLIGHT

Another inspiring story about a little garden shop in San Francisco called Flora Grubb.  Ok, who am I kidding?  It is an extremely well-known nursery that has been featured in the likes of Sunset, Martha Stewart and Better Homes & Gardens just to name a few.  But the point is that this is a story about someone following their passion and turning it into a {hugely} successful business.

Flora Grubb {yes, she is a real person} had a small landscaping company that she basically ran out of the back of her honda civic.  She was hired for a backyard project by a guy named Saul and well, that's when the magic happened.  Here's an excerpt from her blog where she tells the story...

"As soon as I began working with Saul and his then-girlfriend Susie, it instantly became clear that something magical was happening. They were delighted. They were obsessed. They were in love with their garden.

After working on the garden together for several months, Saul asked if I wanted a business partner. Saul is a classically trained French Chef with a degree in Russian History. He was looking for something new and different to do. Eventually, we agreed we would open a nursery together if we could find a location. Within just a few weeks, we had purchased The Palm Broker, a run-down funky palm tree nursery on Guerrero Street in SF. Is it too cheesy to say, “and the rest is history?”

Neither of us had ever worked at a nursery. Neither of us had ever worked at any store. Neither of us had ever taken a single plant ID class, or any class on any garden topic. We just hopped in. Saul is a really, really smart guy. He is an incredibly hard-working guy. I often say that I know a thing or two about what is pretty, and Saul handles everything else."

On a recent visit to Flora Grubb I was overwhelmed with the sheer variety of unique plants and immediately wanted to take one of everything home with me.  The love and care taken with the space is apparent in the artistic displays, plant arrangements and selections of pottery and unique gifts.  Well known for their wall of succulents and an outdoor sitting area that inspires you to purchase a cup of Ritual coffee (also sold in the shop) and stay a while.  I can't recommend a stop into Flora Grubb enough if you come to San Francisco - though it is a bit off the beaten path, it is well worth it. 

And to anyone out there that has a passion and longs to turn it into a business, please stop thinking and fretting and just do it already!  Why should everyone else have all the fun?