Today we’d like to introduce you to Marissa Bowman.
Hi Marissa, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I am a 34-year-old business owner, community leader and entrepreneur hailing from Inglewood, California. I grew up with two extremely supportive parents. My mother and father created an atmosphere where the importance of education was a key factor in everyday life. My mother, Phyllis Bowman was born and raised in Watts, California. I witnessed my mother defy the odds stacked against her even after losing her mother at the age of nine. My mother is a successful licensed Realtor and Loan Officer. With her accolades and accomplishments, my mother is surely someone from whom I draw a great deal of inspiration. My mother ignites the fire within me, the determination to achieve my goals. My father, Kenneth Bowman is a creative landscaper and inventor from Athens, Texas. All aspects of thinking outside of the box, developing strategies to create ease and creativity in itself comes from my father. My parents’ distinguished characteristics have greatly contributed to my tenacity as a professional as well as in life. I am grateful to have such a strong foundation.
Naturally, I have always been a leader and able to navigate various groups of people. In Highschool, I was a part of the Black Student Union and a student-athlete. In addition, I have always loved being active. I played basketball and ran track which taught me about discipline and encouraged me to not only be a leader but also about teamwork.
In 2006, I decided to attend a HBCU, “The illustrious” Hampton University in Hampton, Virginia. Attending Hampton University molded me as a scholar, professional, and leader. I felt and understood what a sense of community was and the environment nourished, guided and embraced me with love. I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Sociology, with an emphasis on The Divisions of Race and Social Class with a long-term goal of creating wealth along with opportunity in my own community.
My Social Work career began in 2011. I immediately knew this field would allow me to give back and help those in need. I worked at a residential group home for pregnant and parenting teen mothers. I worked with adolescent girls to improve their education through vocational training, connecting with their family through reunification programs, and facilitated workshops on self-care, self-esteem, and job readiness. I serve my purpose when I share all the blessings I have been granted in life
As a social worker in this particular position, I had a clear vision of my ability to make a lasting impact and positive experience for those I served. This opportunity was the start of a 12-year career in Social Services. I have served as a homeless outreach worker in South Los Angeles while providing case management, community resources, and housing to those in need. Social Work allows me to spread assistance and awareness to those who are oppressed, vulnerable and living in poverty. The chance to be of service is the true reward.
I currently serve as a Program Director for Lease Up Los Angeles at PATH.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
My journey has not been smooth as success is not linear, it has its peaks and valleys. I essentially tell people that I have failed my way to success, it is in those unforeseen moments where I learned from the most. I now realize that success is in the journey itself and the experiences along the way. I have had to maintain a full-time job throughout my entire collegiate career and while building my business as an entrepreneur. The path has been a struggle to find and uphold balance. Through my life I have discovered that there are many sacrifices that come with success. Undoubtedly as a woman, and a woman of color specifically I have endured many barriers. I have struggled with social expectations as a woman. In a society where women are stereotyped as the ones who are meant to stay at home and put all their attention on their family, it has often been looked down upon for me to venture out to establish a business. I have worked extremely hard to understand my skills, value as a professional and what I specifically bring to businesses and organizations. I have always been told I was “too much.” Recently, I have accessed and accepted with pride that I am who I am. With grace, I stepped into my true power. I am here to influence future generations of young entrepreneurs and women to go after their dreams and put action behind their goals.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about ConserveX Landscaping?
ConserveX is in the business of conserving, restoring and bringing out the beauty in our environment. ConserveX is the #1 Leader in drought tolerant and eco-friendly landscapes. All our services are carried out by highly trained professional crews who know what it takes to give our highly-esteemed customers value for their money (https://conservex.com/). We are known for keeping lawns clean and free from excessive water waste. A drought tolerant garden saves water, money, and labor. This is better for the environment, reduces energy consumption, protects against wildfires and many more.
What sets ConserveX Landscaping apart from other companies is our attention to detail. As a team, we are committed to executing everything correctly by utilizing the best possible method the first time. We use the best materials, hire the best people and continually strive to improve. ConserveX is dedicated to providing continuing education and job training for all team members.
There are many aspects that make me proud to be a part of such a great company like ConserveX Landscaping. I am most proud of our youth landscape training program” Sprout.” We have defined a clear career advancement pathway for our team from apprenticeship to management. With this, we have made ConserveX a company that will grow our employees. Each Summer in the month of June our team works with five high school students for four weeks on small gardening projects as well as training them on basic landscape skills. At ConserveX, we give new meaning to the phrase “room to grow.” ConserveX strives to be better each day. Our organization is built to support the team in the field, this ensures a high-quality performance. Everything the team does, from the roots up, is designed to put our field team in a position to succeed from seed to lead.
Can you share something surprising about yourself?
One surprising fact about ConserveX Landscaping is that we are one of very few Black owned, women led landscape companies in not only California but in the United States. I am currently in the process of completing my C-27 landscape license. Everyone working under the business will then receive licensed landscape working experience. I have already begun creating and teaching the concept of generational wealth to the team. Through ConserveX, I have employed several people of color and offer a unique work experience for women.
Almost two decades ago, my father invented and patented our first lawn & garden product called The Sprinkler Water Guard®, which greatly inspired our Eco-friendly approach.
ConserveX Landscaping Corp. was founded by Marissa Bowman, who started the business by maintaining neighborhood homes in the Los Angeles area. The business began in 2015 as a part-time job. After one year, the business flourished into a full-time career. The entire business was originally created to perform residential mowing, landscape installation, sprinkler repairs and other miscellaneous jobs but quickly blossomed into a larger entity.
In 2018, the business incorporated under the name of ConserveX, Corp. The business has expanded every year since and is presently involved in commercial landscape maintenance as well as residential landscaping.
We are offering Free plant installation for Mother’s Day! Get a free plant installation when you buy plants through May 8th!
Pricing:
- FICUS ELASTICA BURGUNDY LARGE: This live plant is happiest indoors, and measures about 3-5 feet tall (plant height varies) $131.25
- SPATHIPHYLLUM (PEACE LILY) SMALL This plant is happiest indoors and measures about 1-2 feet tall $14.18
- BOSTON FERN Plant measurements may vary. This is NOT an artificial plant. $15.22
- HAWORTHIA ZEBRA EXTRA SMALL Succulents are incredibly easy-going, low-care houseplants–great for beginners! They are drought-tolerant since they store water in their leaves. Succulents will thrive if given bright light and occasional watering $6.82
- FICUS ELASTICA RUBY MEDIUM This plant is happiest indoors, and measures about 2 feet tall (Plant measures can change) $25.72
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: conservex.com
- Instagram: ConserveXLandscaping
- Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/ConserveXLandscaping/
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/conservex-landscaping-beverly-hills
Image Credits
Scoop Comeaux
