Today we’d like to introduce you to Dania Alvarado.
Hi Dania, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I believe my plant journey began when I was younger; Both of my parents worked in greenhouses. They held every position from general workers to growers and even supervisors- which meant I got to spend a lot of time in the greenhouse. I like to call myself a “greenhouse kid” because that’s where I grew up and spent most of my weekends. While my friends were having birthday parties or sleepovers, I was with my mom in the greenhouse growing and watering plants. Honestly, I used to hate taking care of plants because I viewed them as another chore. I even remember my mom freaking out over the dead and unwatered plants at the garden centers. I used to think my mom was a crazy plant lady! What I didn’t know at the time is that I would eventually become an even crazier plant lady.
I didn’t seriously start collecting and growing plants until I moved away to college. I felt like something was missing from my life; So, I found myself always wanting plants around because they created comfort and reminded me of my home. I asked my mom to teach me about them, and this is when my passion for plants started to grow. I was also learning about them in college, where I majored in health science. I wasn’t just learning about the cells in humans but also about plant life forms and how their environment affects their growth. Ever since then, I’ve tried to have plants in every dorm/ apartment I’ve had.
Before I knew it, I had a jungle growing in my small apartment and thought to myself, “Hey, maybe I should sell some of these plants to make more space and help with the cost of medical books and tuition.” In no time, I was growing plants to sell at my first farmers’ market. Of course, in the beginning, my plant shop was very simple, I just used anything I could find in my parent’s garage, and that was my setup.
That was 3 years ago, and I haven’t looked back. Every year I’m growing and improving my plant shop by adding little things here and there. As I continue to pursue my passion, I find myself more and more blessed that I’m able to do what I love and share it with others. I don’t see myself stopping anytime soon, and I hope I can continue to grow my little jungle.
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?
Not necessarily; there’s been a lot of trial and error, and not just on the business side of things. Finding a work-life balance has been the most taxing part of this journey. It’s hard to do what I love and make time for the people I care about. Although, keeping my family close and having them as my moral compass has helped a lot. They’re always the first people I ask for advice and opinions.
I’ve also had to deal with a lot of rejection along the way. I didn’t get to where I am overnight; It’s taken a lot of hard work and putting myself out there. I just try to make the best out of every situation and take those nos and failures as a lesson in how to improve my business and also myself.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’m the owner and founder of a small plant business called La Chiquita Selva, also known as The Little Jungle. We’re a traveling plant shop that does pop-ups all across Ohio. You can find me at farmers’ markets, flea markets, craft shows, plant conventions, or outside local businesses. I’ve been nick-named “the plant lady” at every market all over Ohio. I wear the “plant lady” name proudly because of how cool it is that I get to grow and talk about plants as my job.
What sets me apart is that my business is Hispanic and woman-owned. I’m not a big box store or a commercial greenhouse. Everything from emails, advertising, photography, hand-crafted planters, growing and taking care of plants is done by me. I’m a one-woman show, and I have to play a lot of roles within my business. When you buy a plant or planter from me, you’re not just purchasing an item; you’re helping me continue to grow my business and follow my dream.
Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs, or other resources you think our readers should check out?
My greatest resource is the experience of others. I’m still a young plant grower, so when others have advice to give me, I listen. I never try to be a know-it-all with gardening because you quickly learn that when you think you know something, the plant does whatever it wants. Gardening is an everlasting lesson; there’s always more to learn and mistakes to make.
I also like to get advice from my parents, garden club members, and other entrepreneurs because this is a path they’ve all walked before. They’re the best resources I have when it comes to gardening. I also like to listen to gardening and small business podcasts because they share the obstacles that sometimes aren’t shared on social media.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://linktr.ee/lachiquitaselva?fbclid=PAAaZkBxQ2twMlwy-NmwcZyVhJZEyS4x0E7rNddWCxnTsQ30H_P4q2mYD8bCg
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/la_chiquita_selva/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lachiquitaselva
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@lachiquitaselva?_d=secCgYIASAHKAESPgo8Ft4SQc6FztxK7XE0MxMhIA6Dd3jcPCXIxamRrOqtSLRDVHoNo6a%2BAoezXa%2FE1LWgcXV3ZxO90eZFi4i8GgA%3D&_r=1&checksum=ae231a432e725057287755a1c98b1e4b1bd1d2b1c0d5b71794a334bb6f40066b&enable_clips=1&language
Image Credits
Amber Patrick
Dania Alvarado
