Today we’d like to introduce you to Marina Olshansky.
Hi Marina, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I used to think I had a brown thumb! I’d given up. About eight years ago, I had dinner at Mohawk Bend in Echo Park and they had these incredible Fiddle Leaf Figs that completely mesmerized me- I went out and bought one the next day.
It immediately went horribly wrong but I was determined to keep it alive. I started learning everything I could and growing my collection until it became too big to contain as just a hobby.
I started Vesca Botanicals 4 years ago as a side gig but still continued to manage restaurants up until the pandemic hit. I was finally forced out of my comfort zone and had to take Vesca full time – now it’s all come full circle and I’m installing new plants at Mohawk Bend for their reopening next week.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It started out being incredibly difficult trying to build this alone, It still feels immensely overwhelming at times but as it grows and I continue to connect with more incredible plant lovers, I feel so supported.
As I was trying to build my following the election was ramping up and I couldn’t keep my mouth shut about it. I kept being told not to ostracize anyone by being political on my business page but that just made me realize that I’m not really interested in just building a business- I want to build a like-minded community. Now I don’t have clients, I have an incredible support system of people that I’ve gotten to connect within a very real way, many that I’ve never met in real life.
Together we’ve not only managed to keep me afloat but have also raised money, food, clothes and more for some incredible causes. I am so in awe of and grateful to every single person that’s supported me and made this the most rewarding experience I’ve ever had.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
I deliver potted houseplants all over Los Angeles! You can always see my current offerings under “available now” in my highlighted Instagram stories.
I love doing plant design and installation for businesses- you can currently see my work at The Semi Tropic, Tabula Rasa, Mohawk Bend and Kitchen 24 Hollywood.
I also offer in-home or video consultations and re-potting services- there’s also a lot of free educational info on my Instagram!
Alright so before we go can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
I would love to fill your home or business with plants! Even just following my page or telling a friend is such a huge support, I run my whole business on Instagram and through word of mouth.
Contact Info:
- Email: vescabotanicals@gmail.com
- Instagram: Instagram.com/vescabotanicals
Image Credits:
Kat Hanegraaf
