Today we’d like to introduce you to Samantha Black.
Hi Samantha, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I have always loved creating special moments in time for myself and others. Before I do anything, I love to set a vibe and create a whole experience. My good friends owned a nursery/garden center in New Mexico and were the first people to inspire me to love plants. I fell back in love with plants & biophilic design in 2020 during the COVID lockdown. I realized that as we continue to urbanize, including plants and other outdoor elements in your environment gives people the opportunity to incorporate the benefits of nature indoors. After quitting my job in tech sales, I purchased a Thomas Skoolie Bus I converted to a plant shop. I drove to different markets and pop-ups selling houseplants until I was able to lock down a storefront in the Salina Square. My goal is to help people find the perfect plant that matches their lifestyle and aesthetic while also being available as a resource by hosting different educational courses so that customers get the best ROI for their plant.
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Nothing is smooth when you’re starting your own business and nobody can prepare you for the adversity or challenges that you face and must overcome as a business owner. One of my favorite quotes from an old colleague was “Your business will either succeed or fail. Either way, you’re the one that has to own the outcome.” Small businesses are arguably the last independent force of nature in our economy. In my mind, to succeed means to never quit. I can think of countless times where I’ve wanted to throw in the towel from the first time I drove my broken bus from San Antonio to Austin going 30 mph on I-35, to then having the brakes go out while driving it to the mechanic, to the countless markets getting cancelled this summer from blistering temperatures and the toll the weather took on the plants. Looking back, these events have given me the confidence to keep pushing this business forward no matter what.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
ATX Transplants is a local houseplant and plant accessory store. Along with selling plants, we have partnered with Illuminated in a shared place to create a crystal/plant shop for our customers, although our businesses still operate separately. I specialize in helping customers find the perfect plant that is unique to them & their lifestyle. What sets me apart from other plant retailers is my dedication to mindful purchasing. Over-consumerism is a huge issue in our society, and, in the plant industry, has been harmful to the environment. My goal is to create an experience and a mindful approach to each plant related purchase. I personally pick every plant by hand, being cautious to pick the healthiest & most beautiful plant. I don’t purchase in bulk, and I take time to care and check on each plant daily. I also work with local businesses & on my own to source real vintage or repurposed items such as planters & plant stands. Additionally, I try to only exclusively buy or purchase wholesale from small businesses to try & reduce my carbon footprint. Anything that I purchase for the store, I also love and am obsessed with. I believe that purchasing vintage, or repurposed items along with a mindful approach to what we’re purchasing will create a longer lasting experience for customers. Plants are meant to last customers many many years, along with home decor items.
What do you like and dislike about the city?
Beneath all the new money vibes starting to take over (LOL – I have a very strong opinion about this), you can look at parts of Austin and see the swag & flair that this city was built on. Austin is a very vibrant and unique city where you can be what you want to be. I hope with the new changes happening, the city still holds onto its weird charm that everyone loves.
Pricing:
- Friendsgiving Market 11/19 (free for vendors & customers)
- Holiday Market 12/17 (free for vendors & customers)
Contact Info:
- Website: https://atxtransplants.com/
- Instagram: austintransplants
