As we get ready to welcome Spring, we chat to Marlene Muller who sells plants as well as handmade and recycled pots for your beautiful flowers.
Q: What products do you provide?
A: I sell pots and plants.
Q: How and when did you decide to start your business?
A: I started in 2022 when I was gifted a pot plant. It was a very difficult time as I found myself with no employment and with two sons depending on me. I was blessed to have very special ladies who encouraged me to take a leap of faith. Their support and belief in me and my product are what kept me going.
Q: What sparked your interest in pots and plants?
A: I’ve always had a ‘deep-rooted’ love for plants, which I inherited from my late mother, an avid gardener. She was always growing herbs, chillis, and fruit trees which she would use to make preserves for the family to enjoy.
Q: Who would you say is your target market?
A: My target market is everyone. From the individual wanting to brighten up a corner in their home, to the person who needs a unique gift idea, to the homeowners who’d like to start a garden and those who’d like to add to their existing gardens, and the individuals who want low maintenance practical gardening options. The list is endless.
Q: Do you work alone?
A: I do work alone, however, I do intend to expand in the future and provide jobs for women. I want to provide training in this field to individuals wanting to start their small businesses.
Q: Where do you find your inspiration for the pots you create?
A: My inspiration for the pots comes from knowing what the needs of the gardener are, whether it be for miniature fairy gardens, gifts, practical herb gardens, or simply a unique pot to add to any space. Plants lift and change the entire energy of a room or office. There is always a pot to be made for any plant needing a new home and a home needing a beautiful pot to add something special to.
Q: Are there any challenges that you have encountered in your business, and how do you overcome them?
A: Challenges are part of business, they will always be there, especially if you intend to keep growing your business. The only way to overcome them is to take risks, identify your needs, and don’t be afraid to ask questions. Know and believe in your product, dare to get out of your comfort zone, and don’t be afraid to approach other businesses for advice or opportunities.
Q: What would you say makes your products unique?
A: My pots are unique because they are individually handmade from 70% recycled paper.
Q: What are some of the goals or future plans that you have for your business?
A: My goal is to supply as many nurseries as possible and stores with new, affordable, and sustainable alternatives to the traditional plastic, cement terracotta, and clay pots that are mostly mass-produced and don’t have a very long lifespan.
Q: What advice do you have for someone who is also interested in starting their own business?
A: Starting your own business is exciting and terrifying at the same time. If the interest is there, the best advice I can give is to do as much research as you can. Know your product backward, believe in it and yourself, and know that God will carry you through the days you can’t. Start with what you have, and in anything you do, aim to do it better every day.
Q: Is there anything else you would like our readers to know?
A: I want the readers to know how grateful I am for the support and encouragement that I have received from our East London community. I started out selling on the side of the pavement, with very humble beginnings. If you believe in God, thank him for where you are, and pray for strength, direction, and wisdom to take you where you need to be.
Q: Where can our readers find you? (contact details/social media)
A: 30 Phillip Frame Road in Chiselhurst, Facebook: Pots&plants
