Today we’d like to introduce you to Julie Bartolotta.
Hi Julie, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I started Little Leaf Greenery in 2024 as a way to simply earn a little bit of extra money with the hopes that it might eventually turn into a plant store one day. For the first year or so I applied and attended every market and event that I could from Richmond to Virginia Beach. My goal was to get my name out there, deliver a great product and meet as many people as I could. Markets, however, are notoriously fickle. Sometimes I’d have an amazing turnout and other times, I would barely sell anything. The stress to prepare, set up, sell all day and take down was becoming too much so I pivoted my business plan. Within the past few months I have been focusing more on getting my plants into existing brick-and-mortars while only doing a select few markets throughout the year. Currently, I sell plants and pots at Anonymous Coffee in New Town as well as the Williamsburg Bazaar in the outlets.
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?
The struggles I faced in the beginning all stemmed from my own fears and anxieties about starting a business. It took me months to get the courage to officially start my business and file for a business license. Not knowing where to start; how to find markets, how to apply for certain things was definitely a challenge at first. But the more I reached out to other small businesses, the more help and support I got. In the beginning, it felt like every little step was a major accomplishment. I was so nervous to make a wrong move or to not do something right that I found it holding me back from time to time.
As you know, we’re big fans of Little Leaf Greenery. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Little Leaf Greenery is an ever evolving indoor plant business. I grow and care for a variety of indoor houseplants which then I sell at markets, events and in stores around Williamsburg. I spend a great deal of time growing and caring for all the plants I sell. I make sure they are all ready to go to their new homes with clean leaves, fresh soil and no plant diseases.
I love plants and I love thrifting and antiquing so I have decided to combine the two. I love nothing more then to grab a coffee, grab a friend and go hunting for pots (or anything that you can put a plant in). I put a lot of effort into which plant goes with which pot.
I am always trying new ways to expand and grow my business and I am starting to teach classes in the community. Pairing with other local businesses has been incredible. My local community is always ready to help, jump in and give me ideas.
Fun fact about my logo: my then 9 year old son drew it for me.
I always try and bring Duke, my therapy dog that spends the work week with me at an elementary school. He loves to lay by the booth, roll on his side and get belly rubs from every. single. person that walks by. It’s gotten to the point where people come to see my booth just to see Duke. He is a familiar face and one that people love.
Since 2024, I have come a long way in terms of my business. I have branched out in ways I didn’t think was possible and now I able to give advice on plant care to my awesome community!
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
My family has been incredible. At every market you can find at least one of my family members with me. They help me behind the scenes at home as well, drilling holes into pots, telling me what is cool in social media (and helping me make videos) and so much more. I know they didn’t sign up to miss football on Sundays but their support, help and literal cheerleading has made all the difference for me.
My parents, who live in NY, are constantly thrifting pots for me and sending me articles on plants that they think I might like. My nieces (also in NY) wear their Little Leaf Greenery shirts and ask about my plants all the time.
Everyone at my full-time job (shout out to Matoaka Elementary School!) are also incredibly supportive; asking me questions, purchasing plants from me and visiting me at a local markets.
Terrance and the super friendly, lovely staff at Anonymous Coffee! He opened his doors to me and my little business and has given me so much confidence, so many connections and such joy.
Pricing:
- 8-45
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.littleleafgreenery.com
- Instagram: littleleafgreenery
