Today we’d like to introduce you to Jamie Beutel.
Hi Jamie, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
In the midst of 2020, being a hairstylist that was unable to work… I was lost, scared, and had never felt more alone. I had my own growing plant collection, and it truly gave me hope and purpose daily. I had an idea to start selling plants online to ship nationwide and for local pick up/delivery. I started an Instagram page in hopes to connect with the plant world and community.
I wanted to connect with people during a time when connection felt lost. I started looking into licensing and permits. Once I had those in order, I decided to start a website where I would sell. I’d never built a website nor shipped a plant to another state. I learned it all self-taught with a lot of trial and error. I decided to place a greenhouse inside my bedroom in order to store my plant inventory. Then decided to place one outside on my patio and create an “outdoor” shopping area where people could book appointments and come shop. I wanted to provide a safe escape people could come to privately by appointment to look at plants and connect. I was able to transform the space into “night markets” and a glow in the dark “disco experience”, a night time shopping experience. That is when The Disco Greenhouse really came to life. I dreamt of having a space/brick and mortar and being able to combine my love of hair and plants.
As the months progressed, I was able to donate a portion of sales and also donations from people to different organizations, charities, and shelters. The Disco Greenhouse has always been a place to bring people together, and do good things, together. It has been eight months since I started this small business, that all came from a thought I had in mind to try and help inspire others along the way, never knowing where it’d go, just keeping one foot in front of the other. With a lot of hard work and dedication, I stumbled upon Arthaus Studios in Oakland, CA. A collaborative building and community space for makers, artists, small businesses, and beyond. The moment I saw the building, I knew it was where I needed to be. I was able to get a space inside Arthaus and got the keys to my unit at the end of March 2021. The Disco Greenhouse is alive and had I had my Grand Opening the second week of April. I also added a barber chair inside the space, so you are also able to get your haircut amongst the jungle oasis. Seeing this come to life while single-handedly creating it has been the most incredible feeling I’ve ever had. A true dream come true. I am beyond grateful to provide a safe space for all people, an escape from the outside world, a place to feel joy, happiness, relaxation, community and to connect over our shared passion for all things plants, music, and hair.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It has not, haha. My first website failed. I also has no clue what I was doing and had never built a website before. I had to redo the entire thing on a different platform. The ins and outs of shipping plants… the struggles.. sometimes they don’t make it in great condition, sometimes they get lost in the mail, or damaged. There were weeks when I didn’t sell anything, weeks that I wanted to give up. Weeks when self-doubt took over, and I felt it was all for nothing. There is a lot of sacrificing when starting a business. Sleepless nights, blood, sweat, and lots of tears. Being a one woman show isn’t always easy. I run the entire thing solo. Marketing, Instagram, photographing inventory, doing inventory, going to multiple nurseries weekly, loading plants into a mini cooper – I do it all myself…… yes, a mini cooper. I’ve had 8-10 feet tall Birds of Paradise in that car, and still to this day have no idea how they fit. There were several times I thought about quitting, comparison, finances, etc. There’s a lot that goes into it.
As you know, we’re big fans of The Disco Greenhouse. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
The Disco Greenhouse is a place of joy, happiness, love, and connection. While it is home to over 200 plants to choose from, it is also home to a barber chair that sits amongst the jungle oasis. I specialize in indoor houseplants of all types of varieties, as well as all types of haircuts. I am known for keeping a rotating stock of plants in store and online, the infamous large rose gold disco ball, and insanely goofy dance moves. What sets me apart from others is my passion for what I do. My packaging when I ship plants is actual happy mail, the package comes equipped with lots of fun sparkly goodies, mini disco balls, feathers, lots of colors, and a handwritten note. What sets the shop apart is the energy and feeling in the space. It is the most welcoming space, and I truly want to provide a place that makes people feel special and loved while they are there and when they leave.
I am most proud of bringing people together to connect over shared interests. The Disco era was a time when people came together and shared a love for music. I am proud that I have been able to recreate that kind of space while combining plants, music, and hair. What I would love for everyone to know is that The Disco Greenhouse is a place that builds community. It is my sole drive and purpose to spread love and happiness through plants. I offer shipping nationwide, with a select amount of indoor houseplants, pots, and accessories on my website. Being able to ship plants across the U.S has been an amazing way to keep people connected to one another during a time when people were unable to see family/travel due to Covid. I also offer notes with your order if you are sending to a loved one and want to include a special message, free of charge. I am open for in person shopping by appointment for plants, as well as for all haircut appointments. I feel this space is a collaborative space bringing people together with the things that make us feel best.
Who else deserves credit in your story?
All of my followers on Instagram and the connections I’ve made there – I would not be where I am today without all of them. They have supported my business, have encouraged me, spread so much love and kindness since day one and continue to. I have built some amazing friendships through Instagram, some I haven’t had the chance to meet in person yet. I genuinely love and am forever grateful for my IG community, it is solely why my business is where it is today. My friend Susanne, @thehouseplantpixie has been a huge support system since day one, she is who I’ve called on those hard days when I felt like giving up, and she has always lifted me back up and pushed me to keep going. My Mom has been a cheerleader since day one as well. She went from no indoor plants to several now! It has been really amazing seeing her love of plants blossom. Britney, @botanistbee is someone who I am so grateful to connect with, she really spoke to me on a personal level in the beginning of this journey when I was so down and lost. She gave me words I will keep with me forever and has been a support system and an amazing friend.
Contact Info:
- Email: pot.head8plants@gmail.com
- Website: www.thediscogreenhouse.com
- Instagram: @pot.head8
Image Credits
Bex Wyatt – photographer for image of me holding the pot head pot
