Inspiring Conversations with Ashley Sotolongo of Lady Plants

Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashley Sotolongo.

Briefly walk us through your story. How you started how you got to where you were today.
2020 was the beginning of an awakening for me, as it was for many. The pandemic found me in Los Angeles, happily running an established positive reinforcement dog training company. This universal pause gave me the opportunity to reevaluate what serves my soul.

After surviving a spring and summer of lockdown and riots in Southern California, I packed up my life and headed back to my roots. I discovered that creating a self sanctuary full of plants and furniture was a crucial component to my feeling good and a conduit in the process of growing as a person. A hobby of sourcing furniture and house plants quickly transformed into my next business venture: Lady Plants. I hit the road at full throttle and created a mobile business with intention of bringing the ambiance of my oasis to the many.

Spreading knowledge and motivating others brings me fulfillment. With the use of plants and a passion for interior design, I could help others feel good and grounded too. I wanted to help others build their zen den so that they too could focus on fulfilling their greatest potential. I feel grateful for the opportunity to help spread my light and raise the vibrations of the collective. Who knew it would take the world shutting down for my consciousness to expand?

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?
This road has been full of speed bumps and curves. An adventure isn’t worth telling if there aren’t any struggles along the way. It was a steep learning curve converting a cargo trailer into a suitable mobile business that was pandemic friendly. However, that had nothing on moving with novice towing skills across the county during the 2021 freeze. It was quite the way to start off my new business venture and this was merely just how the dream commenced.

Within the year, Lady Plants became Austin’s first plant and vintage gift store on Doordash along with joining Revival Vintage’s multi-vendor team. As new doors opened, new challenges arose and thus the universe intervened. A series of misfortunate events resulted in the trailer hitch dislodging twisting the fate of the mobile business. At present, the traveling trailer has a stationary residency at Revival Vintage.

Although the path has seemed frustratingly random at times, it’s been important to trust the process and embrace the inability to control the situation. Throughout the evolution, changes and struggles, the main goal remains the same. Lady Plants will continue to spread light by connecting people with products that spark joy.

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?
Lady Plants is a small women-owned business that specializes in creating happy corners and cultivating green thumbs. We provide indoor plants and innovative solutions for both plants and people to thrive. Our noble purpose is to be more than a plant store, it is a feel-good concept offering sustainable ways to make your space more stylish. Our plant styling blends an appreciation for interior design and balances with a love for all things green. ‘

We have a funky femme vibe with an array of carefully curated products, handmade products and unique services. Some of these include planting parties, styling, staging and event rentals. It is important for us to connect with people on a deeper level and fill their lives with pieces that spark a feeling.

Additionally, we offer one-of-a-kind gifts delivered quickly to your door through Doordash. Like plants, our company continues to evolve and grow so make sure to stay tuned!

If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?
If you had the chance to meet me in person you might not believe that I was shy as a child. Much of my youth was spent slowly opening up and by 9th grade, the pendulum swung the opposite way. High school pastimes comprised of journaling dreams, learning about people from different walks of life and never missing a party.

With a short stint in rehab before a driver’s license, the senior superlative, “Most likely to have a book written about their life,” was an effortless victory. A young free spirit with an addictive personality found me excelling at sports, getting decent grades and growing up too fast. These early experiences lead to deep introspective work and a solid understanding of myself which initiated a powerful ability to teach, inspire and motivate others. I truly believe I am still growing up and continue to learn new things about myself.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.myladyplants.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ladyplantsco/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ladyplantsco
• Other: https://www.doordash.com/store/lady-plants-austin-1901524/