Hidden Gems: Meet Bee Yelo of Yelo Aple

Today we’d like to introduce you to Bee Yelo.

Hi Bee, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Since I was a kid I was a very independent person, creative and never like to be told what to do or to work as a team or unit. It did not matter if it was with my siblings, cousins, friends or strangers. For someone reason I just always thought not would could help me like I could help me. Boy was I wrong, but it gave me the push I needed to be independent and to put myself out there. When I was 19 I tried to start a company with some friends. It was me that ended up doing everything, for the most part. At the time the person I was dating drew designs that I was the brainchild of. But my hands just couldn’t articulate it onto the paper! Their three friends were also apart of the company, so a total of 5 of us. Ultimately I told them if they can’t show up – they need to leave the company. So it was just me. I ended up getting the brand into three stores in Columbus, Ohio and met some great people along the way. Thats started my love for fashion, small businesses and shopping at Brick & Mortar. So my goal was to go to school for fashion and to start a global clothing brand or open up some stores across the states. A few years later I was going to school for Residential Contracting and still doing the clothing on the side. Another love of mine is everything about the building process and remodeling process homes.

In 2011 I started going to Ai of Indianapolis. This is where I opened my first Brick & Mortar for my clothing store. I altered opened store in Columbus, Ohio – Cincinnati, Ohio and Los Angeles, California. I love fashion most of all but I went through a bad breakup and I just wanted a break and wanted to try something new. So I was watching a plant Youtube channel and instantly fell in love with the idea or something something from nothing. Being able to not make life but get it alive and improve my quality of life while doing do. I never knew something could bring me so much joy. Getting my hands dirty, and seeing something grow because of me was so beautiful. Before this, living things scared me, killing something gives me so much anxiety. Which is why I have no pets or kids. I neglect myself, so I know I would unintentionally neglect something else. So knowing myself, I stay away from living things. So, Yelo Aple was born!

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
No its just been challenging for forecasting and plant trends. especially opening up before the pandemic. during the pandemic was great for business. with everyone inside and wanting to plant their own escapes. business was booming. then it slowed down. so we started doing TikTok and that a whole new world. its been great. but a smooth road? definitely not.

Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Yelo Aple?
Yelo Aple is pronounced “Yellow Apple”. Not to get biblical but the Apple started it all. Yelo Aple was LIFE changing for our Founder so it was fitting. As for Yellow, yellow is the color most associated with optimism and happiness, as well as creativity. It is not the calming color that blue is, but it definitely has the ability to make people happier because it is also associated wit warmth – maybe because of the sun. Yellow is also pretty unique as there are no “DARK YELLOWS”. (just a little color psychology for you)

Our shop is curated with Botanical Plants – We offer a large selection of potted and un-potted succulents, tropical plants, trees, hanging plants, water plants and many more living beauties. We are committed to making your experiences here at YELO APLE a fun, excited, educational and successful one as we help to strive to make it better.

Let’s say you like the idea of having plants, but you don’t really want to bother with picking them out, finding the right size pots, knowing what soil you need, and all those things. Well, think of us as the Postmates for plants in Columbus, Ohio. You select your pre-potted or un-potted plant off our site, then we deliver it direct to your home. It’s that easy!

Bee is a firm believer that plants can heal and support many individuals. Here are some of the health benefits of houseplants:

– Aloe Vera is known for its anti-inflammatory properties and its ability to remove harmful chemicals from the air, which can help reduce anxiety.

– The Sago Palm, often described as a beach bum among plants, is another favorite. It purifies the air and adds moisture to the atmosphere, helping to alleviate stress and anxiety, all while being easy to care for. Adding this plant to your bedroom or home can promote optimal wellness and mindfulness.

– Other notable plants include English Ivy, Red Edged Dracaena, Snake Plants, and so many more.

We invite you to stop by and learn more about the numerous benefits that plants can bring to your life!

We are excited to share OUR ROOTS of Yelo Aple, which was born from a genuine love for plants and their incredible benefits in our spaces.

Our Founder, Bee, is a passionate entrepreneur who has always believed in the transformative power of plants. Bee has personally struggled with anxiety and has found that incorporating plants into their life has made a significant difference.

Prior to launching Yelo Aple, Bee founded a clothing store. Despite it being a clothing shop, plants were always a small yet significant part of the ambiance. Bee found that the presence of plants made them feel better, providing both care and joy as they watched them grow. Customers noticed too—the plants sparked conversations and drew people in. Eventually, plants became a prominent feature of the store, leading to sales. One thing led to another, and a few years later, Yelo Aple was established, resulting in the closure of the clothing stores.

What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
to give and be receiving of grace. We are all learning as we go.

Contact Info:

• Website: http://www.yeloaple.com/
• Instagram: http://instagram.com/yeloaple
• Facebook: http://facebook.com/yeloaple
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/yeloaple
• Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/@beeyelo
• Other: http://tiktok.com/yeloaple