This week we chat to Ekaterina Thomas, who runs a plants and succulents business called Bespoke Plants.
Q: What kind of plants and succulents do you specialise in?
I love all plants and if I like something, I’ll try to grow it. I mostly grow succulents such as echeverias, aeoniums, crassula (jade plant) and different ground covers. I have a few cacti, and also grow semi-shade shrubs like coleuses, begonias, polka-dot plants, spider plants, pothos, and arrowhead plants. I germinate some fruit trees as well including lemon, avocado, and peach trees and I have a lot of strawberry plants.
Q: When and how did your love for plants turn into a functioning business?
When I came to SA (I come from Russia, as you probably noticed from my name) I was amazed by the variety of your stunning plants here, especially succulents. So many colours! I started my own collection and enjoyed them every day, then I decided to make arrangements and they turned out beautiful, so I gave a few of them to my friends as gifts and they really loved them. I have been selling plants on Facebook marketplace here and there for a while mostly to fund my collection. Now that I am a resident here, I am going to market my business online and begin with a Facebook page and a website. I want to turn my hobby into a real source of income for myself and my family.
Q: Do you have any background or qualifications in gardening?
I have always loved plants, and my dad was an awesome gardener. I started to help him when I was a child and my uncle used to have a nursery, so I learned a lot from them.
Q: Do you run the business on your own, or do you have a team?
It is essentially just me at the moment, but I hire a helper sometimes who looks after the heavy work like mowing the lawn and weeding.
Q: How has the response been from your customers and the community since you started the business?
I’ve got quite a few returning customers and I’m happy they choose me all the time. Lots of ladies recommend me on Facebook pages and I’m really thankful for this.
Q: What are the top three things you believe every plant parent should know?
I don’t believe in such a thing as green fingers. You just need to be experienced, and your knowledge will help you. Soil is very important for your plants, so do your homework and choose the soil your plants need. Be prepared to face challenges with your plants, but don’t ever give up. Eventually you’ll learn how to properly look after your babies.
Q: What’s your favourite plant to work with, and why?
I love echeverias most because they look like thick flowers and I love to decorate them by surrounding them with colourful ground covers. They make the ultimate arrangements!
Q: Have you faced any challenges in your business journey, and how have you handled them?
Oh yes, there were two hailstorms last year or the year before, and they killed so many of my plants in my collection and many of the rest were full of holes. Right now, I keep all my arrangements under cover, but I still need to make a roof above all my plant shelving.
Q: What are some of the goals or future plans you have for your plant business?
I’d love to participate in some market days, I’ve been invited to quite a few, but first need to get my driver’s license.
Q: What advice would you give to someone wanting to start their own plant or succulent business?
My advice will be very practical. If you start a plant business, always have a backup as you can’t rely on this business only. People don’t always buy plants, and winters are mostly quiet.
Q: Is there anything else you’d like our readers to know about you or your business?
My unique succulent arrangements in handmade pots are a perfect gift for any occasion. I run my business until late and if you remember that you don’t have a gift for someone and most of the gift shops are closed, just message me.
Q: Where can our readers find you? (Contact info/social media)
My contact number is: 083-357-7575. Facebook page is coming out soon.
