If you love styling your indoor plants and have an eye for design, becoming a professional plant stylist may be the perfect side hustle or full-time career for you, plant friends! Plant styling has exploded in popularity recently, as more people discover the therapeutic benefits of surrounding themselves with plants. In this episode, we'll share insights from Maryah Greene, a successful New York-based plant stylist and influencer, on how she built her brand Greene Piece. You'll learn Maryah’s tips for starting a plant styling company, calculating rates, and her new children's book, ‘Good Things.’ We'll also cover her top plant styling techniques to create cohesive, harmonious plant designs tailored to you and your space.

 

In this episode, we learn:

• [03:26] Maryah on balancing plant collections and responsibilities
• [05:48] Why Maryah created Greene Piece and the inspiration behind it
• [08:09] How did Maryah's Japan experience shape her passion for plant teaching?
• [14:20] How did Maryah manage her first year offering plant-related services as a side hustle?
• [00:15:56] Enjoy homegrown garlic in your kitchen and garden for 10% off with Territorial Seed Company!
• [17:43] How did Maryah determine her pricing strategy for her plant business?
• [20:43] Navigating initial business paperwork and finances
• [24:02] Embracing entrepreneurship and appearing on Good Morning America!
• [28:55] What was the impact of Maryah's decision on her work and career prospects?
• [31:21] How does Maryah maintain balance and fulfillment in her business?
• [36:34] What’s the difference between plant styling and being a plant doctor?
• [38:14] Maryah’s journey as a content creator and influencer in the plant community
• [41:01] Maryah on evolving brand partnerships
• [44:59] Top three plant styling tips!
• [49:13] What is the story behind Maryah's book “Good Things”?
• [53:53] How did the Black Lives Matter movement influence Maryah’s decision to write the book?
• [56:36] Emotional impact of the book on both children and adults
• [56:36] Working together on illustrations with Alleanna Harris
• [01:00:08] How does the book help parents and teachers discuss emotions and loss with children?
• [01:02:37] Where can you find Maryah and her book on social media?

 

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Growing Joy: The Plant Lover's Guide to Cultivating Happiness (and Plants) by Maria Failla, Illustrated by Samantha Leung

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From Side Hustle to Plant Styling Business

Maryah Greene worked as an elementary school teacher when she first moved to New York City. On weekends, she started caring for coworkers' and friends' plants for some extra income. Maryah quickly realized she had a talent for assessing people's spaces and selecting the perfect plants for their needs and lifestyles.

Maryah officially launched her plant doctor persona and plant styling business, Greene Piece, soon after. She went viral on Good Morning America as the “plant doctor,” leading to an influx of new clients wanting her services. Maryah helped transform people's homes into lively urban jungles filled with thriving plants.

 

Key Tips for Starting a Plant Styling Business

Based on Maryah Greene's experience, here are some top tips for launching your own professional plant styling company:

• Start small – you don't need fancy props or tools when you're first beginning. Work with what you have available.
• Calculate your rates based on business expenses, time involved per client, and your desired profit margin. Charge clients fairly to cover costs.
• Use contracts and send invoices to formalize agreements. Define boundaries and policies with clients upfront.
• Outsource non-plant tasks – delegate admin, marketing, web design, etc. to focus on your unique plant styling services.
• Seek therapy or support for handling the mental/emotional rollercoaster of entrepreneurship.

 

Maryah’s Top Plant Styling Tips

Over the years, Maryah has been invited into hundreds of homes to assess their plant potential. Here are some of her top styling tips:

• Work with what you have already. Upcycle jars, trays, baskets, etc. before buying anything new.
• Pay attention to color and texture. Limit your plant palette and utilize color theory, like complementary hues, for visual harmony. The color wheel provides perfect complementary shades.
• Vary heights and clustering. Alternate tall and short, group plants together.
• Take pics before buying more pots to maintain visual coherence.
• Add statement colors thoughtfully, anchoring with naturals like terracotta.

Follow these guidelines from Maryah to create intentional, tailored plant designs for any space or style.

 

‘Good Things‘, a Children's Book by Maryah

Maryah recently added “published author” to her list of accomplishments. But her new children's book “Good Things” is not exactly a plant care manual. Instead, it tackles profound themes of grief, loss, and resilience.

The story shows young Malcolm mourning the loss of his beloved father. He experiences the stages of grief while discovering self-care strategies to process his emotions.

“Good Things” teaches a profound lesson about resilience. When faced with unimaginable grief, especially at a young age, children need guidance to process their feelings and continue thriving. The metaphors of nature and nurturing provide the boy solace during his darkest times.

Maryah originally wrote it as a graduate school project, drawing from her teaching background.

She pushed the publisher to release it in summer 2020, arguing it “couldn't come at a better time” amidst racial injustice protests.

While suitable for 4-8-year-olds, Maryah believes the story offers wisdom for all ages. Plants simply provide the metaphor for trauma and healing.

 

Growing Your Influence With Authenticity

In addition to her services, Maryah has built a substantial social media presence with over 30k Instagram followers. She advises staying true to yourself rather than trying overly hard to get sponsorships.

While Maryah enjoys partnering with brands, she only works with those who authentically align with her mission and message. She’s transparent about paid partnerships, which her followers appreciate.

By creating content she believes in, remaining choosy about collaborations, and keeping it real, Maryah has developed an engaged community. They trust her recommendations because she’s proven she won’t just post about any random product for money.

Maryah Greene is a wonderful example of blending your passion with purpose. She turned her plant care expertise into a thriving business while creating content that resonates.

 

Mentioned in our conversation:

• Maryah Greene's book Good Things
• Growing Joy Ep 185 The Power Of Therapeutic Horticulture
• Plant Swaps by Summer Rayne Oakes
• Maryah on Good Morning America
• Razorbill
• Alleanna Harris

 

Thank you to our episode sponsor:

Territorial Seed Company

Are you ready for the fall gardening season? Skip the lines at the garden center and let Territorial Seed Company deliver top-of-the-line, healthy and hardy plants right to your door. They have a great line of pre-grown plants, an expansive seed catalog, and over 40 years of experience delivering the best seeds and plants for everyone's garden. Whether you are looking for leafy veggies, flowers or edible plants in either seed or seedling form, Territorial Seed Company has your back.

Get 10% off by visiting territorialseed.com/growingjoy – discount applied at checkout.

 

 

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