Conversations with Molly Hutto

Today we’d like to introduce you to Molly Hutto.

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I was hired as a part-time flower delivery driver in 2001 for $8.75/hr. I worked for Kyle Irwin (now owns Field and Fort in Summerland) and Erin Taylor (now Taylor + Langella Interior Design Studio). I had previous background working as a floral designer at a small flower shop nearby. I found my passion at botanik with all things home and garden. Worked my way up as main buyer/merchandiser and manager. Also had a passion for arranging succulent gardens and became known for that. Kyle eventually sold his share to Erin and pursued interior design. Worked with just Erin for about 10 years as her second hand. She decided to retire from retail and pursue interior design as well, 8 years ago. She brought up the idea of me buying the store since I was basically one of the faces of the store. I actually never thought I would own a retail store. I originally wanted to pursue flipping houses. But loved the atmosphere we had created with botanik so decided to go for it. I was a very easy transition. Since I already had worked there for 14 years. It actually took a while for it to feel like my own. I still love doing it today! I like to change things up frequently so that customers always see a fresh look when they come in.

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?
It was a smooth transition from worker to owner. Business was thriving until the Thomas Fire and Montecito Mud Slides. Took a while to adjust from that disaster. As soon as things seemed to calm down and business was good again the pandemic hit. That was super hard. I kept all my employees during it trying to apply for all that was available to help at the time. During the pandemic, we had to close the store for a couple of months. I came to the store anyways and worked on re-designing the garden, adding a greenhouse, painting pergolas, etc. I was by myself blasting music and “playing in my happy place”! Now things are great with the addition of Field and Fort, Porch, and The Well. And some other cute small boutiques. Summerland is more of a design destination now.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
Started out in floral design for ten years. Then spent about 8 years managing/merchandising a small clothing boutique. Then ended up at botanik. Now I have combined all my passions in one spot with botanik offering home and garden delights with the recent addition of clothing. Always loved the creative aspect of merchandising and designing. And love to shop!

I/botanik is known for our succulent gardens. Starting as a floral designer helped me to create arrangements that seem more like floral arrangements. I like to keep things fresh and interesting but tend to stay close to a neutral and classic pallet.

Any big plans?
Keeping shop fresh and interesting. There are some fun ideas coming to fruition soon (botanik by design).

Contact Info:

• Website: botanikinc.com
• Instagram: botanik_summerland

Image Credits
Molly Hutto