Inspiring Conversations with Kristen Bragunier of Deeply Rooted

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kristen Bragunier.

Hi Kristen, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
When I was 16, I started my first job at a locally owned women’s retail clothing shop called Fitzgerald’s. The owners were amazing at creating connections with their customers. As a teenager, I quickly learned the value of building community as I watched how that shop acted as a place for social gatherings, welcoming customers in for a glass of wine and conversation. I also came to understand the psychology behind retail and how it was so much more than just selling products. I was able to provide customers with a feeling that came along with that product. Whether it was the confidence that was found with a dress that would be worn on a first date or a lifelong memory that would be made while wearing a cozy sweater, I realized the impact I could have on every person that walked through the doors of that boutique. My dream of opening a shop of my own started all those years ago. 

Fast forward through the next 25 years and the many different retail jobs I held (Anthropologie for over 15 of those years), I finally had the time and opportunity to do what I had always wanted. I knew I wanted to open a shop that was based on all things plants. Growing up, my mom shared her love of plants with everyone around her. She started a garden club, Bloomin’ Thyme, that gathered monthly for over 25 years with 20+ members. A green thumb was instilled in me early on, and I have always found plant care to be therapeutic. I wanted to be sure I could share those experiences and feelings with my community. 

I was blessed with the opportunity to open my shop in a space owned by my family. 60+ years ago, my paternal grandparents moved their family from LA to Camarillo, and they brought their furniture business with them. That adventure allowed them the ability to leave a legacy of commercial property to the next generation, and I couldn’t be more proud to be a part of the space that started it all. When deciding on a name for the shop, I was thinking through all the parts of plants, and when I came to the roots, I immediately thought about my family history and how Deeply Rooted I am in retail and the Camarillo community. It was the perfect name. 

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 was all overwhelming at first, trying to navigate the long list of to-dos to open my own business. I did a lot of research and was also lucky enough to be able to lean on some incredible resources and talents that came from a close group of family and friends. I had to make sure I balanced the need to get open quickly with an attention to detail that would ensure my business felt thoughtful and branded. In the year that I’ve nearly been open, I’ve found it challenging to juggle all the moving parts of the business by myself. Throughout my retail career, I always had many business partners, each of whom contributed their area of expertise to the overall business. Now, I find myself needing to do a lot of things at once, from customer service to ordering products, sourcing handmade and vintage ceramics, and, of course, watering lots of plants. Luckily, I’ve hired two wonderful, plant-obsessed employees who help me stay focused on the big picture without getting lost in the minutia of the day-to-day. 

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next, you can tell us a bit more about your business.
Deeply Rooted is a destination gift shop where a large majority of the product assortment ties back to all things houseplants but also covers a wide variety of gifting options. We carry several soy and/or beeswax candle collections, bath and beauty products, jewelry, stationary, tabletop, decor, and more. We aim to get our customers excited about choosing thoughtful and unique gifts that really speak to who the gift recipient is and what they love. We’re passionate about mixing the old with the new and are constantly on the hunt for handmade, one-of-a-kind, and vintage pottery and art that really helps to elevate the aesthetic of the shop. We have a very large collection of plants of all sizes and varieties. Our goal is to have the right plant for everyone, from plant collectors to those looking to just get started on their plant journey. We pride ourselves on our knowledge of plants and our ability to educate our customers on how to properly care for the plants that are the right fit for their home and skill level. We often hear our customers talk about how they love coming to our shop for the feelings of joy and sense of calm it gives them. The abundance of plants makes the air feel fresh and energizing, and many of our business neighbors pop in daily for a quick and much-needed reset. 

We are so proud of the community we have already started to build and look forward to seeing just how big and mutually supportive it will become. 

What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
I would have to say that being extremely passionate has been most important to my success. I have always been passionate about connecting with people, and retail has given me the perfect environment in which to do so. I love meeting new people, finding out about their lives and what makes them tick, and providing them with a memorable experience that makes them feel special. I frequently have the opportunity to make someone’s day by going above and beyond what’s expected. How could I not be passionate about that? 

Contact Info:

• Website: deeplyrootedcamarillo.com
• Instagram: instagram.com/deeplyrootedcamarillo
• Facebook: facebook.com/profile.php?id=61552803112974

 
Image Credits
Stephanie Godfrey Photography