Today we’d like to introduce you to Alexandria La Flora.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Alexandria. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
Being an entrepreneur is something I was born to do. My grandfather owned multiple restaurants in the LA area for over 50 years. Becoming the first female entrepreneur in my family has always been the goal. Thorn & Raised started as an Instagram account where I showcased a few of the rare plants I purchased throughout the city and online. After visiting several plant nurseries in the area, I noticed one distinct thing: there were no black-owned nurseries in Southern California. After a bit of research, I discovered a few black-owned horticulturists on the east coast and decided I would accomplish owning a plant nursery in California.
After eight months of planning, strategizing, and quiet execution, Thorn & Raised was born. On the journey to opening a physical location for Thorn & Raised, I began selling succulents and houseplants online. With the support of friends and family, I also began hosting an interactive succulent arrangement event called Plant Parenthood. What better way to share my love for plants than to enjoy music, wine, and succulents? I’ve had the pleasure of meeting plant enthusiasts from Los Angeles and the surrounding areas. I’ve been blessed with many opportunities over the last year and I am so grateful.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
In the beginning, it was very difficult to develop close relationships with growers to ensure I have consistent inventory. Retail plant sales are very competitive and I now understand this comes with the territory of being new to any industry. I credit my smile and the three semesters of Spanish in undergrad for the relationships I have now.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Thorn & Raised – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of and what sets you apart from others.
Thorn & Raised is an online plant nursery created to connect new plant parents across the country. My business specializes in a retail plant sales, group events, plant styling, and education. Our plants are inspected for pests and carefully wrapped to ship in 2-3 business days nationwide; quality guaranteed. Customer service is our priority and we definitely deliver.
We are most proud of being a black woman-owned business in an industry where we are often overlooked. Our motto is “Let’s Grow Together” in hopes of creating a community with diverse representation. Welcome to the Thorn & Raised family!
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
We are looking forward to a mobile plant truck and physical location in the near future. We are also excited to partner with local business and execute a monthly plant subscription service!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.thornandraised.com
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thornandraised/?hl=en
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