If you’re looking for a new way to make some extra cash, why not try growing and selling plants? It might seem like a small venture, but there’s actually a lot of potential in the plant market. One woman in Ohio proved this when she made $1,148 in just one day selling plants from her home.
Jill McSheehy is a middle school counselor by day, but in her free time, she runs a small plant business called Jill’s Jungle. She started the business in 2019 by selling cuttings and small plants on Instagram, and it quickly grew from there. Now, she has over 31,000 followers and sells plants both online and from her home.
On May 8th, McSheehy held a plant sale at her home in West Chester, Ohio. She advertised the sale on her Instagram page and expected a decent turnout, but she was blown away by the response. Over 200 people showed up, and they didn’t just buy one plant each. Some customers spent hundreds of dollars on a variety of plants, from small succulents to towering fiddle leaf figs.
By the end of the day, McSheehy had made $1,148 from the sale. She was ecstatic and grateful for the success, but also a little overwhelmed by the demand. “It’s just me doing it all,” she told Good Morning America. “I’m trying to pump the brakes a bit and get caught up.”
McSheehy’s success isn’t just a fluke. According to a recent report by the National Gardening Association, houseplant sales in the US grew by 50% in 2020. More people are staying at home due to the pandemic, and indoor plants are a popular way to bring some greenery and life to their spaces. Plus, plants have been shown to have physical and mental health benefits, such as improving air quality and reducing stress.
Starting a plant business doesn’t require a lot of money or experience, either. McSheehy started with just a few cuttings and grew her collection over time. She also recommends starting small and focusing on a niche. “Find something you love and do it,” she says. “If you like succulents, just start with succulents.”
Of course, there are some challenges to selling plants. They require care and attention, and not all of them will sell quickly. McSheehy has had to learn a lot about plant care and pest control over the years, but she says it’s worth it for the joy and satisfaction of running her own business.
If you’re interested in selling plants, here are some tips to get you started:
1. Decide what kind of plants you want to sell. Will you focus on succulents, tropical plants, or a mix of everything?
2. Start small and build your collection over time. You don’t need a huge inventory to start selling.
3. Research plant care and pest control. You’ll need to be able to answer customers’ questions and keep your plants healthy.
4. Figure out where you’ll sell your plants. Will you have an online shop, sell at local markets, or hold sales from your home?
5. Advertise your plants on social media and other platforms. Get the word out and show off your beautiful plants!
Who knows, maybe you could be the next success story like McSheehy and make over $1,000 in just one day with your love of plants.