Meet Renata Goossen | Business Owner & Founder

We had the good fortune of connecting with Renata Goossen and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Renata, maybe we can start at the very start – the idea – how did you come up with the idea for your business?
I started Renata’s Garden as a kid in junior high without a driver’s license, living in a rural part of Kansas. I had no access to a job, but I wanted to start earning for my future. So, I started seeding and selling vegetable and flower starts to the local community. I called it a “micro-greenhouse” business. Eventually, I put that business aside to attend Kansas State University College of Agriculture to earn my horticulture degree. Little did I know, after 4 years of school, 3 internships and a job in my field, I would return home to start Renata’s Garden LLC, for real this time! Haha!

The idea for the Plant Bus stemmed from my travels in Europe, where I saw several flower carts and other mobile businesses lining the streets. I loved the spontaneity of it! But, Kansas is not Europe. I needed a mobile horticulture business that was not at the mercy of the elements. An old school bus fit into my idea perfectly, protecting customers from wind, rain, UV and whatever else that I could anticipate while out and about. Plus, the concept of a store on wheels is just fantastic! I love seeing people’s faces when they see the Plant Bus cruise down the road.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I am a 23-year-old new college graduate, so I can’t say that I am the most experienced business woman. However, I do know about what makes someone fascinated with growing plants. Horticulture, often seen as an antiquated term literally means “the culture of plants.” I am a horticulturist, and I am working in my business to help others claim the title. The biggest hurdle to growing success is lack of support and accurate knowledge. Through my business, I want to empower others to discover their green thumbs (even if they thought they had a black one).

I have arrived at the point I am today not because I like plants and thought they would make a cool career. That’s true. However, I arrived at this point because I am a constant student, learning new lessons day by day. Most are hard to learn, but they are also rewarding for that reason. I am able to meet so many interesting people and help them discover their passion for nature!

While my business is a horticulture business, my brand is centered around people, not plants.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I am a complete plant nerd, so I would take my friend to every public garden and estate in the area. Public gardens are often reflective of the plant life that is in any geographical area and it helps someone see the nature of that area in a nutshell. Botanical gardens often also have beautiful collections of fascinating plants from around the world.

In our spare time, we might check out local estate sales and antique malls. I am a huge nut for old furniture and dishes. It’s fascinating to see how other people lived and how they innovated.

We would eat at all of the local Wichita restaurants that make my mouth water just thinking about them. I love European cuisine, so, we’d head to Prost, our local German restaurant. We’d catch George’s French Bistro. And, I would never miss our local classics like NuWay Cafe or Japan Express. Kansas is at the heart of the U.S. and Wichita is full of wonderful restaurants of all different cultures.

Last, I couldn’t let my out-of-town friend leave without taking them to Riverside to check out the Keeper of the Plains, which is lit up at night during the summers with a ring of torches.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My parents are both heavy influences in my life and have been the ultimate support in my crazy dreaming.

Website: renatasgarden.com

Instagram: @renatas.garden

Facebook: Renata’s Garden

Youtube: Renata’s Garden