Today we’d like to introduce you to Melissa Biador.
Hi Melissa, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Gaia Plant Co. was formed during the pandemic. I own a professional photography business for over ten years, and because of the pandemic, all my contracted work was either canceled or postponed. I had to think of another way to keep me busy working while being home with my kids. Since I was collecting plants, I jokingly mentioned to my husband that we should start selling plants. He was all for it and supported me in opening another business.
For a few months, we were selling plants through our Instagram page as well as other online platforms. It wasn’t too long that selling on social media and online marketplaces became overwhelming, so we decided to create an online shop. In addition to the online shop, we also had pop-up shops in our backyard and delivered orders within East Chula Vista.
Sometime early in 2021, my husband and I thought of opening a retail store somewhere in our community. Chula Vista was in dire need of a plant shop since many of them are in central or north San Diego. In April 2021, we opened our doors to our retail location at Otay Ranch Mall.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It was difficult at first since there was a high demand for indoor plants due to the pandemic. Many of our suppliers were low in inventory, or we couldn’t get access to different nurseries since we were still new to the industry. We learned that we would have to adjust and do the best we can with the resources we had. We knew that at some point things would improve and we would be able to fulfill the requests of our customers.
When we first opened our retail location, I felt a little pressure since I was primarily the one visiting nurseries and picking out plants. My husband is still on active duty and was only able to help where he can. Prior to opening, we only had one employee and myself working at the store. I felt overwhelmed and burned out from the constant work and not being able to be home with my family. I told myself that this obstacle would be temporary until I had the chance to create a schedule for our business and home life.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Our company name emerged from my love of Greek Mythology and the name, Gaia, is Mother Earth. Our brand is very important to us, and we incorporated a very earthy and natural feel from our logo to the aesthetic of our retail shop.
Unlike most plant shops, we handpick all of our houseplants and personally inspect all plants once we get them at our store. We take the extra care and step to spray the plants with a natural pesticide that is safe for the plants. We also ensure that the pots are also clean so that when shopping in the store, there is no worry about handling dirty pots. Before a plant goes to its new home, the staff ensures that the foliage is wiped down and cleaned. We take pride in ensuring every plant is healthy, happy and that the customer brings home a beautiful plant.
In addition the houseplants, we carry an array of items from plant supplies to gift items. Most of the artisans in our shop are local in the Chula Vista community or based in San Diego. We are very happy and proud that we are able to support and share the different small businesses from our city.
Can you talk to us a bit about the role of luck?
I don’t necessarily believe in luck. I believe that with perseverance, believing in yourself, chasing opportunities and working hard to achieve your dreams is the recipe to success.
Pricing:
- Indoor plants $10-$250
- Candles $14-24
- Home Decor $13-150
- Jewelry $12-45
Contact Info:
- Email: melissa@gaiaplantco.com
- Website: www.gaiaplantco.com
- Instagram: gaiaplantco
- Facebook: gaiaplantco
Image Credits:
Melissa Biador Photography
