Today we’d like to introduce you to Emily Scheiderich.
Hi Emily, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Ever since I was a little girl, I’ve been a very creative and crafty person. I’ve had more hobbies than I can count, and I always loved to sell the things I would make. After high school, I decided to go to college for studio composition/film scoring, but after a few years realized that music just wasn’t the right career for me. Fortunately, I was able to find an entry-level job working for a small manufacturing company, where I got to learn about all aspects of business firsthand. It wasn’t until 2021 that I finally found the right niche to focus my creative energy on and form an actual business around! I officially launched FLF in November of 2021 after a few months of preparation while still working full time. When I started getting more into plants the prior year, I realized the market for plant-themed decor and accessories was seriously lacking the sort of variety I wanted. There were all kinds of things out there, but most of them involved the same few basic leaves. Being an avid collector of rare and uncommon tropical plants, these just didn’t appeal to me that much. So, I started making my own! As the year came to an end, my partner and I decided we were ready for a change, so we packed up and moved back to Cleveland. I quit my job, enrolled myself in school, and took the leap into full-time small business ownership. Since then, I have gained thousands of followers, participated in several local popups, and even had a few repeat wholesale customers.
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?
So, so many struggles! Some of the most inconvenient ones were when I first started and my Cricut would just intermittently stop working and their support refused to help without a video of the problem, or right after I moved when the post office failed to scan in 13 of my orders that I dropped off in a blue USPS collection box. Since they didn’t scan them, I couldn’t file a claim for the missing parcels (which still haven’t surfaced 3 months later) and had to eat the cost of refunds and replacements. Lesson learned!
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Basically, I design and handmake a bunch of cool stuff for plantaholics. My shop is best known for my ultra-realistic miniature plant earrings, which are currently available in over 130 different varieties and counting! I carry a lot of other products as well – things like koozies, coasters, and tote bags featuring unique leaves and fun phrases or puns. There’s something for everyone, whether you’re a major plant enthusiast or just looking for a gift for a plant lover in your life. I also offer free customizations, from different colored products to your own custom plant earrings made to look exactly like your very own plant.
What makes you happy?
From a business perspective, the most fulfilling thing to me is knowing that people across the world are enjoying my creations. It brings me a lot of joy, and some days it almost seems too good to be true that I’ve turned my hobbies into a legitimate living. On the personal side, I really enjoy just relaxing with my boyfriend and best friend, or taking my dog Leela for walks around Cleveland and taking a break in the park with a good book. Breaking away from the 9-5 lifestyle has been absolutely liberating for me and I never want to go back!
Pricing:
- Earrings $30 and under
- Free Customization
Contact Info:
- Website: www.flfshop.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/ftlofshop
- Facebook: facebook.com/ftlofshop
- Other: tiktok.com/@ftlofshop
