Meet Ashleigh Thompson | Creative nursery owner and designer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Ashleigh Thompson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ashleigh, how has your work-life balance changed over time?
One of my major goals of starting my small business was that it wouldn’t cause any stress to our families current work/lift balance. I have always had a vision of balance, I see myself being successful in business, a present mom, and an engaged wife. My business was created to give me a creative outlet and still be able to succeed at those. In the beginning, I was set to put together inventory here and there, with the help of my boys or when they were napping. After a few months of being in business the demand for my products grew and I had to find more time to get everything in order. Customers were referring me to friends for private events and other small businesses were inviting me to markets. These were all wonderful things happening for my business and I had to make sure to keep up the balance. My goal of doing one event a month grew to having something every weekend. It seemed overwhelming at first but my family and I are having so much fun at these events that it really doesn’t even feel like work. My customers are turning into lifelong friends and I have met so many wonderful small business owners who all share the same determination.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
I provide a variety of beautiful plant arrangements using unique, vintage, up-cycled and handmade items. Each piece is of limited quantity and often one of a kind. I rarely sell plants in grow pots because I like the creativity that is involved in using unique, fun, quirky planters. I also have kits available so that others can get hands on and show their creativity. It brings me a lot of joy seeing what others create with my kits. But I don’t just sell plants. I want to foster the love of caring for them too. I think many people want to love plants, but remember how quickly they killed the last one. That shouldn’t hold anyone back from trying again. That’s why Crazy Plant Lovee offers a plant replacement policy. If you kill the plant, send me a message, meet me at my next market with your planter and we will re-pot it together. CPL also offers care cards, special instructions, and long term plant support to help. I want to be your Go-To crazy plant lady.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Here are some of my favorite places in San Antonio and surrounding areas. A few are a short road trip away but definitely worth it! Coffee- Silver Creek in Hondo, Tx. Italian Food- Luigis in Hondo, Tx. Deli and dessert- Bumdoodlers in Boerne, Tx. Shopping for gifts- Handmade on Main in Boerne, Tx. Nursery- Shades of Green in San Antonio, Tx. Selfie spot- Devine color wall at Marken Media Co. in Devine, Tx. Drinks- 1919 in San Antonio, Tx. Family Fun- Garner State park in Concan, Tx.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I have had amazing luck in finding support through this adventure. Most of all I owe a lot of credit and recognition to my husband who has been so much help. I really couldn’t do it without him. I would also like to shout out to Amy at From Scratch farm, founder of Handmade on Main Boerne. I joined the Handmade on Main co-op in March just before the quarantine hit our area and even with that I have had great success because of Amy. She works so hard on promoting handmade and our coop and I am very lucky to have her as a small business mentor and friend.

Website: https://crazyplantlovee.wixsite.com/home

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/crazy.plant.lovee/?hl=en

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CrazyPlantLoveeSA

Image Credits
Amy Bierstedt Ashleigh Thompson