Today we’d like to introduce you to Ariana Yingling
Hi Ariana, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I have always had a love for plants, and back in 2022 I was scrolling Facebook marketplace and saw an advertisement for old farmhouse windows. It was a great price so I made the split decision to buy them and figure out what I would do with them later on. Eventually it hit me. Why not make a take a book leave a book, but with plants?! So I got to work. It took a lot of trial and error but I’m proud to say that I built it with my own two hands. With the help of my oldest son I was able to set it up at the end of my driveway. In order to spread some joy to the community, I needed to generate more attention, so I made a Facebook group for The Little Greenhouse and posted it on local community Facebook pages. My very first visitor loved it so much that she posted about it on another well known local Facebook group and it just blew up overnight. We had a couple months of helping the community grow, pun intended, however, when winter came around I had to put a pause on plants in The Little Greenhouse. It was just too cold for them to be outside. So in order to keep my new found community of plant lovers interested, I started to do monthly events. My first ever class was a macrame class paired with a cupcake, that sold out! Shortly after, the decision to continue classes as well as expand and start selling plants and planty things came about. Of course, you can still find The OG Little Greenhouse (and the new one located in Greencastle!) during plant friendly months so you may swap cuttings and plants, but you may now find plants and merch in several local shops as well as online to purchase year round!
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Every business has their struggles and of course The Little Greenhouse is no different. We have our good events and bad events but currently we are looking to open a shop of our own in Waynesboro PA. That has been a struggle all on its own.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about The Little Greenhouse?
At The Little Greenhouse, you can find a variety of rare and common houseplants. Since everyone has a different taste in plants, we like to switch up our inventory and bring plants in that you don’t see at the big box stores! Plant care and decor (as in decor for your plants!) as well as so many more planty items are also available. Shop us in one of our carriers or several Farmer’s Markets and vendor shows or grab a friend and join one of our various monthly workshops!
Can you talk to us a bit about the role of luck?
I’ve been lucky to have the friends that have helped me along the way from pricing plants to running a stand when I double book myself.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://www.thelittlegreenhouse.org
- Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/thelittlegreenhouse2022
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100089712826855&mibextid=ZbWKwL
