Meet Bree Iman Clarke | Founder & Creative Director of The Plant Project

We had the good fortune of connecting with Bree Iman Clarke and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Bree Iman, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?
I always say, Success is never owned, it is rented and rent is due everyday. I do not believe that I have reached the pinnacle of my success-which is why I say this. There are many factors that come in play when you are speaking about success. To some it may be about the amount of money you are making. To others about the notoriety. Some the time. I believe the most important factor behind success especially mine is knowing, it is a journey. A journey that will have highs and lows. A journey that many times in order to appreciate your highs you must experience lows to learn from them. To grow from them.

I am my brand which means my brand will never be perfect because I am imperfect. But will be transparent, authentic and will always align with me. Therefore always with the goal and mission to be successful-even when it is never owned but rented.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Oh gosh there is so much I want to say about The Plant Project. It is a brand & concept I am so proud of for many reasons. The why behind it, is what I am truly grateful for. The Plant Project was the First Black Woman Owned Plant Shop opened in Dallas, TX and recently had the opportunity of opening one right here in Houston, Tx . The Plant Project is a place where community & plants grow.

The Plant Project was created due to the lack of color & diversity in the Plant World. Too often I would walk into small local plant shops and not see myself behind the counter. Or many times not even seen at all. I believe Plant Joy should be experienced by all. And I wanted to make sure that I helped in creating this in real life.

Was this Easy?

Being the first of anything, being vulnerable, being authentic can be a daunting task. But I am up for the challenge. Being the change you wish to see does not come with a smooth path. And this is ok. Because if it was easy, everyone would be doing it. Sometimes in order to create a better tomorrow, you must shake the table. There will always be challenges in everything you do when making a difference. Sticking to my Why, my purpose & passion has allowed me to overcome these challenges when they arise. But also a reminder to keep building.

I want people to know The Plant Project is more than a Plant Shop. Its a space where commUNITY & plants grow. It is also a place that we are reminded of how deeply rooted we are to one another. And Sometimes you have to dig deeper…to grow stronger.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Ok this is really hard! Because Houston is truly a melting pot of rich, diverse culture. There is so many jewels in our City. A few of my favorite food spots, which are places I grew up going to when I was a child, and now able to take my family to. The Barbecue Inn truly the BEST Fried Chicken, Baked Potato and Shrimp Cocktail it has literally been open since 1946. After Dinner there I love going up the road to The Flying Saucer and grabbing some of their delicious strawberry cheesecake.
Huge fan of Vietnam Coast, AMAZING food! It has also been around FOREVER since 1984.
New places I love Liberty Kitchen. Cocktails at Hotel C Baldwin. Love visiting The Flat and Anvil.
The list could go on and on. There is so much to do in our City.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Carley Seale of Favor the Kind

Website: https://www.theimanproject.com/plantproject

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theplantproject__/

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

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCnA_7KPsEztrtgr9lDIICEQ?view_as=subscriber

Image Credits
B+R Mixed Media and Raekade Photography