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

Hi Mari, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
I never thought I would be an owner of a business. In 2018 I had my first child then shortly after my second in 2019. Struggling with postpartum depression and the anxieties of being a new mother, then a single one, I found mental relief through plants. More specifically, building terrariums. This activity showed me how plants have so much to teach us through caring for them and helped me understand the importance of caring for myself. People need plants as much as they need us. Through my plant shop people are able to come in and partake in this immersive experience to build their own unique plant terrarium and watch it grow as they do.

What should our readers know about your business?
In 2020 I had the idea of one day opening up a Plant & Sip where people can buy plants and build a terrarium anytime. At the time I was a broke single mom living in Florida. Thankfully I had a wonderful family that supported and encouraged me as I tried to start this business through at-home or venue plant parties. One day my cousin introduced me to her friend who also invests. I shared with him my business idea and vision. He believed in its success and invested in me when I had nothing to even prove its success. I relocated to NY to be with my mom during my financial hardship and tried to grow the business in upstate NY. I hosted more plant terrarium parties and the word spread. As I was exploring Cohoes, NY, I saw the perfect shop with beautiful tall windows that would be perfect for plants. I spoke with my investor and we opened the first store for The Planter. The first year had its share of challenges. Opening a business during a pandemic era is not for the faint of heart. There were days when people wouldn’t come in or people didn’t show up for events. I kept going, kept posting and nurturing my new business. As I cared for my plants each day I did the same for my business. Little by little, it grew. Consistency, persistence, and dedication to my vision were what created this business and what is making it a success. Now I sell out workshops and book private parties. Success is not always immediate. I didn’t blow up on tik tok or become known overnight. I grew just like my plants, with a little water and sun each day, then with time new growth and beautiful leaves. My goal is for people to appreciate the importance of the “little things”. Plants are the perfect representation of how these “little things” such as nurturing our businesses and lives in small ways promote our health, growth, and success.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Albany County is a wonderful place to visit with many unique areas and history. For people visiting, these would be my top favorite places for people to check out. First, there is Troy. Wonderful place to explore unique small businesses and do some shopping. Enjoy drinks at the Rare Form Brewing Co. or Bootleggers. Grab a bite at Nighthawks or The Daisy. which has amazing tacos. You can catch a show at The Funny Bone in Albany for some late-night comedy. Then grab some dinner and drinks downtown at Savoy which has a craft kitchen and unique drink options. Saturday is the perfect time to take a walk on Remsen St, in Cohes to explore more small businesses, grab some vintage items at Vintage Addiction Co, or enjoy some painting at Paint Cohoes Art Studio.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I am incredibly thankful to my grandparents that showed me their love for gardening. When I was little I would walk through their garden, which at that time felt like a forest, to pluck fresh carrots & veggies. Because of them, I appreciated the work that goes into planting and the fruits of the labor. It taught me that the work we do each day, no matter how small it may seem, is building up a plentiful harvest for the future.

  

Website: www.theplanter.com.co

Instagram: theplanterllc

Facebook: theplanterllc

Other: Tik Tok : theplanterllc

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