Community Highlights: Meet Jessica Schutz of Green Lady Gardens

Today, we’d like to introduce you to Jessica Schutz.

Hi Jessica, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I began Green Lady Gardens as a floriculture art and design company in 2016. I focused on no-water fern and moss walls made with real plant materials that had been preserved, dried, dyed, and hand-painted. I sold at farmer’s markets and art shows. I’ve done a few large installation pieces as well, including for a hotel in Santa Monica, CA.

In early 2018, my then-husband began his own business, so I put GLG on hold and looked for a steady paycheck. I ended up as an overqualified and bored administrative assistant. I kept GLG close, though, and spent every weekend slinging plants at farmer’s markets and fairs that summer. (I didn’t have time for art). Being bored at work, I dreamt up future business ideas. Given the success of selling plants at farmer’s markets and the realization that I knew a lot about plants, one idea was to open a houseplant store.

I always adored my friend Luke’s store, Planted in Edgewater. But I wanted to create something a bit different. I wanted a store that provided a unique experience, was memorable, evoked joy, inspired creativity, and was an expression of who I am. And what I am is someone who enjoys color and smiling, is inspired by Mexican culture and design, likes to learn and teach, and supports art and community. The vision of my hypothetical store was clear, down to the different colored walls and products I would sell.

One morning, while driving down Santa Fe Dr. to go to my boring job, I saw a “For Lease” sign on the perfect building. I called, got a tour, and signed a lease a week later. I had enough cash for a deposit and the first month’s rent. The rest I put on two 0% APR for 18 months credit card. GLG opened on September 15th, 2018. After 5.5 years at that location, GLG moved across the street this past February.

We are now located at 744 Santa Fe Dr.

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?
Things ran smoothly for the first 5.5 years at my first location. However, this past December I had plans to sell GLG so I could pursue other lifegoals and interests, specifically moving to Mexico to research and pursue textile design. My landlady obstructed my plans, though, and I was told to leave. January – March were some of the hardest months of my life as I scrambled to find a new location.

If I lost GLG, I’d lose everything. With the support of the Art District in the Santa Fe community, I was able to secure a new location on literally the last possible day. The move took three weeks instead of the intended one week, but I did it.

GLG reopened on March 20 across the street at 744 Santa Fe. The response to the new location has been wonderful, but the expense of moving and renovating and three weeks of lost sales has been very painful. But like every entrepreneur needs to do sometimes, I’m making changes in my business to adapt to my new situation, including expanding my workshop offerings and events.

Given what I went through, I’d like to offer advice to those renting commercial space. Get a real estate broker and make sure you have a long-term lease in place. Protect yourself. My previous landlady and I had two agreements for long-term lease terms over the last few years but she would never send the lease for me to sign. I didn’t think much about it because I was a responsible tenant. She and I also had a verbal agreement that she would support the sale of my business, and she made promises to me on two separate occasions that she would get me a new lease and rent amount for the purchaser of my business.

None of this was in writing. When I called to get the new rent amount, she turned her back on me and said I had to leave. Commercial property renters have no rights in this state. Protect yourself!

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?
What GLG specializes in is also what sets us apart:

1. Expert houseplant education, both pre and post-purchase: Many people fail at houseplants because they are not set up for success. GLG has a unique system of matching people to plants so that they know what to expect.

In our store, most plants have name tags with a color-coded number that rates the level of care and attention that plants need. The name tag also outlines light, water, and other important care needs. Then, every plant with a name tag comes with detailed information in the form of a notecard or slideshow on our blog.

2. Affordable and unique pottery.

3. A colorful and lively storefront that provides customers with a unique, joyful, and inspiring experience.

Networking and finding a mentor can have a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
I honestly do not. I’ve never had a mentor, and I tried networking once, but it was not for me. But what has worked well for me is learning from my mistakes, pivoting, and being realistic about what is and isn’t working for your business.

You must also be prepared to make huge sacrifices. I ran my store alone for 1.5 years, and it was grueling. However, that work got me to the point where I could pay myself and eventually hire my first employee. (Don’t pay other people until you can pay yourself!).

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.greenladygardens.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/green_lady_gardens/
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/green-lady-gardens-denver
• Other: https://www.google.com/maps/place/Green+Lady+Gardens/@39.7282117,-104.9984162,15z/data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x0:0xb1c2436f9b7ea33f?sa=X&ved=1t:2428&ictx=111