Exploring Life & Business with Adriana Marroquin of Wilding Flora

Today we’d like to introduce you to Adriana Marroquin.

Hi Adriana, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story. 
I first started my plant journey over six years ago. I was gifted a succulent arrangement, and I was devastated when I overwatered and killed it. After many failed attempts, I found myself in a whole new world that I didn’t know existed. I became a regular at my local nursery and found myself hanging out there for hours. There were days that I wouldn’t buy anything, but I enjoyed it, nonetheless. The staff all knew me and would let me wonder about for hours. Slowly, I got to know plant species, their natural habitats, and how adaptable plants are! 

Over time, plants became a meditative hobby for me. I love to care for them and watch them grow. And it might sound silly, but I found my plants to be a physical manifestation of my internal self – when I’m thriving, they are too; when I’m in a funk… they’re in a funk! It’s been a super cool journey of appreciating Mother Nature on a different level, learning about plants, and seeing parallels of my human journey and their plant journey. 

Fast forward to two years ago, I decided to move to Arizona. I knew a group of people, but I also knew that to truly make AZ a home, I needed to build my own community. So, I started to sell plants. It’s been rewarding to convert plant murderers to successful plant parents, and watching them move beyond basic plants into a world of lush colors and habitats is such a treat! Throughout time, different traditions and cultures have used plants for healing, for superstition, and for décor. I continue to learn from my customers the different names plants have in different regions and the different ways they’ve stumbled upon their plant journey. It truly is a way of connecting for me. 

We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I think that building a small business is what you make it. My biggest struggles are competing priorities. I still have a full-time job that demands my attention, but I love Wilding Flora and helping my customers build their best indoor jungle that matches their needs. If I’ve learned anything about running a small business, it’s to be graceful. Not every event will be successful, not every real or IG post will have the likes you thought it would, a product you loved may not even sell – but so long as we have grace – with ourselves, our customers, and our fellow entrepreneurs – we’ll be ok. This journey is what you make of it; enjoy it! 

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next, you can tell us a bit more about your business.
I am a home-run nursery/plant shop bringing you hand-selected pots and plants to build your indoor jungle. I specialize in helping people find plants that are not only beautiful and healthy but that also fit into their lifestyle, i.e., water requirements, sunlight, space, etc. I am known for having the most lush, beautiful, and healthy indoor plants as well as providing you with the education needed to keep them that well. I hand-pick everything I sell, taking special care to ensure that what I sell you is healthy. I can’t compete with big box store prices but what I can commit to is selling you healthy plants. Most plants you buy at big box store come with root rot or other pests because no one is caring for them the way I care for my plants. I love personalized gifts so come to me with questions about finding your loved one a gift, I also love to do party favors – I’ve done centerpieces, and company gifts in the past. Brainstorm with me and I’d love to get creative with you! 

How do you think about luck?
I don’t believe in luck. My favorite mantra is ACTION CURES FEAR. So long as you stay in motion, everything will come. For me, luck is oftentimes an excuse for you not rising up. 

Pricing:

• Pricing ranges from 10-35$ for basic plants. Ther rarer the plant and the bigger the plant, the more expensive they will be.
• Pretty pots are expensive, period. These range from $12-30+ based on their size.
• My mom is my business partner, and she specializes in macrame. All the macrame I sell is handmade by her. She is open for custom orders. Her work begins at $20 a piece
• We sell plants on DoorDash – highly recommended for gifts

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @wilding_flora
• Other: https://www.doordash.com/store/wilding-flora-phoenix-2914792/

Image Credits
@lifescenesphotography