Today we’d like to introduce you to Arthur Chavez.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I grew up here in the San Fernando Valley. My dad had his own Gardening and Landscape business starting back in the early fifties. So I grew up learning about plants. I was introduced to succulents in the seventies at the Tokiwa Nursery in Northridge where my older brother was working. I got a job at Singer’s Growing Things when I was 15. Manny Singer was one of the original importers of succulents from Madagascar and South Africa. These plants were unusual and many had never been introduced before in this country. I joined the LOS ANGELES Cactus and Succulent Society. I am still a member today. I really just wanted to learn all I could about these plants. This is before the internet so I read all the books I could and work around plants at nurseries such Cycadia. I then started traveling to Africa, Madagascar, South Africa, and Mexico to see these plants in habitat and expand my knowledge.
After many years of collecting and traveling I decided it would be great to import and sell plants back in 2005. I partnered with another member of the LACSS Steven Freize and we started Desert Creations. After a few years we had outgrown our backyards and our next step was to open a retail location. This is a hobby gone wild.
Today my wife and I have what we call a mom and pops nursery and gift shop in Northridge California. We have visitors from all over the country that come to enjoy the nursery. Many of our customers come to see what’s new and some just come to hang out and talk about plant.
Desert Creations has really become a hangout for plant enthusiasts from around the world. It doesn’t feel like a job because it is something I really love. I really enjoy sharing my passion with kids. Every June the LACSS has their Annual Festival. In 2009 we added a Kids Program which has been a huge success.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
There never seems enough time in the day to get everything done I would like. There are plants that can be a challenge to root or adjust to our weather. I think when you are working with any living things you need to learn about the plants and how to be a skilled grower. Probably time and space would be our greatest challenges. Oh and trying to get a sign approved by the city.
Desert Creations Nursery and Gift Shop – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
We are a cactus and succulent nursery proving an incredible array of plants that are drought tolerant. We have landscaping plants, collectible plants, artwork, gift items and pottery by local artist. You can find some extremely rare and unusual plants but I think what separates Desert Creations from many nurseries in the area our plants are backed up knowledge that we enjoy sharing. I think I am most proud of the selection of plants that we have.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
Being happy doing what you love to do. And sharing it with people.
Contact Info:
- Address: 18161 Parthenia Street
Northridge CA 91304 - Website: www.Desertcreations.net
- Phone: 8184828795
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: @desert_creations
- Twitter: @desert_creations
- Yelp: https://yelp.to/qTKq/8WZESdMM0J
Image Credit:
Photos taken by Kim Chavez
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