Meet Gloria O’Hare | Owner and Operator of Sprout and Blossom

We had the good fortune of connecting with Gloria O’Hare and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Gloria, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I started my own business because I found myself giving all of my time, energy, creative ideas, and talents to someone else’s business but ultimately did not have the control I needed to do all the things that I wanted to do and do them well. So I decided that I should do everything I am doing but do it for my own business. I could have the final say in everything from price to what I offer and when It works for my schedule. If I did my own thing then I could really grow how I want, do things the way I wanted and not have anything hinder my growth and creative process.

What should our readers know about your business?
Sprout and Blossom started out as a gardening activity subscription box for kids. I was working for a children’s learning garden, teaching classes and creating programs for kids and during the pandemic things closed and slowed down so I thought I should box up my ideas and send them out! So I decided to go for it! And then I realized that I loved in person teaching and loved being with the kids so I decided to offer the box materials as classes as well.. I approached Christ the King Preschool in Redlands (where I formerly taught as a preschool teacher for many years) and asked to do an enrichment program there after normal preschool hours. They agreed and it went well and kids and parents loved it. This school year I have the program at Christ the King and Valley Preparatory Academy in Redlands. I am currently waiting to hear back from another local school to offer the program there as well. I believe what sets me apart from other similar programs is that I not only offer after school enrichment programs, but also garden activity classes at an actual garden, farm theme classes at an actual farm, and still offer subscription boxes for those that aren’t close enough to attend in person classes.

I am a people person and I think making connections with the kids and families I serve, networking with other small businesses in my community, and developing good relations with local schools is so important for my particular program.
Something I have learned along the way is that quality matters way more than quantity.

My motto for Sprout and Blossom is “Plant seeds of kindness wherever you go.” and I want to instill this in the children who come my way. And not just by telling them to do it but by showing them how, in the way I treat them, how we interact with each other and nature during our time together, how we treat the animals and creatures in the garden and on the farm, and by planting and growing together.

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.
Well, Redlands is such an awesome town with rich history! We definitely would have to visit some local parks and gardens! There are some awesome farmers markets on the weekends that have so many amazing local farmers and vendors. The Grove Farmers Market, Sunday Market at The Asistencia, and our downtown Farmers Market.

I would definitely take them to Historic Downtown Redlands to walk up and down State Street to browse all of the local shops! I would encourage them to get a fresh new “do” from The Empire Barber Company and afterwards we could get some lunch from Cheesewalla, which has some amazing gourmet grilled cheese, among other amazing food items to choose from. We have the cutest little book store in Redlands, The Frugal Frigate, we would have to go there! Also, Board Game Paradise has so many fun games to choose from and would require a visit so we can get some games to play for a few of the nights they are visiting. And most definitely we would have to go to “Umbrella Alleyway” for some fun photo opportunities. Oh and Batter Rebellion has amazing food and they do Karaoke on Saturday nights and Trivia Night on Thursdays!! Redlands is so awesome, there are so many amazing restaurants, bars, and shops, I could go on and on!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would love to give a shoutout to The Blessing Center in Redlands. They are a non profit organization that helps house young children and their single mothers in the Redlands area through their Transformative Houses of Hope program. They also have a community garden, “The Garden” at Hannah’s House, and they have allowed me to come in and partner with them to provide my classes and events in the garden and create a little hub there! ! As well as Willowbrook Apple Farm in Oak Glen, they also allow me to use their space for pop-up classes here and there! Also, a big shoutout to all my family, friends who continue to support my small business by sharing about my business donating fun items for the kids, and attending classes and events. And of course a huge shoutout to all the families who sign their kids up for my enrichment programs, classes and events and who continue to do so time after time.

Website: https://www.sprout-and-blossom.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sproutandblossombox/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SproutandBlossomBox/

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/sprout-and-blossom-redlands