Blooming in Business: 8 Tips to Grow Your Interiorscape Career

I’ve been blessed with an interiorscape career since 1995, and it’s been nothing short of amazing. If you’re just stepping into this field, congratulations! You’re in for a rewarding journey. As someone who is part entrepreneur, plant lover, and social butterfly, you’re uniquely positioned to make a real difference in people’s lives. Your passion for connecting people with plants is what will set you apart. Reflecting on my own journey, if I were just starting out today, here are eight pieces of advice I’d follow.

Hire a veteran interiorscape leader as a mentor

Talk to them weekly and share your situation, hopes, ideas, and plans. An experienced mentor can truly understand and share your vision, especially in this complex industry that’s unlike any other service business. I hired Barb Helfman, who was an amazing creator, leader, and businesswoman. I love plants so much that I was practically “giving away the farm,” but she emboldened me to see the value in my service. Aunt Barb’s favorite saying was, “Send me the check!” She had a deep love for our industry, and I truly miss her. Later in my interiorscape career, I found another invaluable source of help in Kathy Fediw. I love her books!

Take a small business course

Many community colleges offer great classes to help you set up proper licensing, insurance, and banking—essentials for a successful interiorscape career. These courses also give you the opportunity to meet people at different stages of their business journeys, with various degrees of success. Additionally, you can learn how to write detailed budgets and bids for every proposal. Is there a business that you admire? Learn what they did to succeed.

Create a bookkeeping system and hire an accountant

I am definitely more gifted with verbal skills than math skills. During COVID, I let my bookkeeper go, thinking I could reconcile my books on my own while the world was shut down. Boy, was I wrong! My books ended up in such disarray that it cost me much more money to have my accountant repair the damage. This experience taught me a valuable lesson—stay in your strengths and hire out the rest.

Learn something new daily

I know you already love plants, but it’s important to keep expanding your knowledge by reading books and blogs and connecting with plant companies in various markets. Strive to become an expert in repotting, propagation, and solving plant and soil problems. As you grow your expertise, you’ll also discover low-cost solutions that can make a huge difference in your profit margins. And whenever you come across a new plant, take the time to find out what it is. This ongoing curiosity will keep you adaptable and informed.

Find creative ways to operate without debt

You may be tempted to take out operational loans, but beware—debt is a risk, and we are a luxury service. During an economic downturn, you may lose clients as budgets tighten. To stay financially secure, consider buying older, reliable vehicles in cash instead of financing new ones. If you sign a big contract with a large upfront cost, it’s wise to talk face-to-face with your client and ask to invoice 50% upfront to cover the materials and plants. Most clients will admire your frugal approach and will be willing to help. Once the project is set up, you can invoice for the remainder. We manage costs by purchasing plants per order, and if we need just a handful, I know where to find them locally at retail prices. Bartering is also a great way to create win/win situations in business. For example, we trade plantscape services for office rent.

Maximize time and cost efficiency

Ask for one contact person for each account

Plants are a very subjective design element, and it’s challenging to satisfy everyone’s expectations. To streamline communication and manage these expectations, designate a single contact person for each account. Have this person send out a company email before the set-up date stating who you are and what you’re doing. Also, have them remind everyone not to move or water the plants. This simple step saves so much time and energy, and it also enhances the professional appearance of your company.

Keep a positive attitude

This may be the most important advice of all. Keep your spirits high, no matter the challenges. Some days will be hard and long, but the payoff is worth it. A positive attitude will not only carry you through tough times but will also inspire those around you.

As you begin your interiorscape career, remember that the joy of working with plants and transforming spaces is what makes this job so fulfilling. Embrace every opportunity to learn, grow, and connect with others in the industry. With dedication and a positive outlook, you’ll build a successful business that brings beauty and life to every space you touch. Welcome to the wonderful world of interior landscaping!