Today we’d like to introduce you to Maryann Gibbons.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Maryann. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
One day, I woke up and couldn’t stop thinking about (indoor) plants. I made an Instagram account dedicated to my plants, my daughter’s ponytail, and other domestic duties. I was also realizing I didn’t want to do child protective social work for another decade. I remember I had a moment while tending to my plants and I was like, “I’m going to find a way to make this my job.” It started with taking a night class after my 9-5.
After being out of school for 12 years, I decided to enroll in ‘Plants and Soil Science’ at a local community college to bolster my knowledge and inspire me further. Although I learned a lot, I wanted to be more hands on and get others excited about the beauty and benefits of plants too. Starting with my friends and family, I potted up plants in thrifted tins and planters. Seeing people become equally excited about plants made a light bulb go off and I knew I needed to make this my future.
I originally wanted to sell my plants off these traveling carts, I imagined late night lying in bed. At the same time, I realized my town did not have a Farmers Market so I decided we needed to create one. I found 7 other women within a 10-mile radius and we formed the non-profit, Kingston Farmer’s Market, Inc. This summer, my community had it’s very first market debut with great success. The journey of creating the market structure, recruiting vendors and working with a team has reinforced that a career shift is certainly plausible with consistent efforts.
Has it been a smooth road?
I’ve allowed my vision to adjust along the ride. Like anything, there is a learning curve undertaking something new. I just quit my job of a decade to open my plant shop. In my career I have dealt with atrocious child abuse, testifying in court and clients that do not want you in their home. Nonetheless, I became acclimated to the climate and the daily routine. Being my own boss is something I’m really excited about, but is also nerve wrecking as I’m creating my own systems. There is no template to ensure I am being as efficient with my time and resources. I have been really open to mentors in my own community and have no hesitation reaching out to experts in all fields. My advice would be to seek out any and all supports to succeed.
Also, I don’t know if the mother’s guilt will ever subside. I know that to be the best mother I can be I need to have my own thing to come home and be my best self to my ponytails (3 and 6 years).
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into plantsandponytails story. Tell us more about the business.
I specialize in making plants available for enjoyment primarily indoors. People tend to be excited about plants and what they offer, or immediately say something like I would get a plant, “but I kill everything.”
Easy care houseplants, succulents, and cacti are made available at plantsandponytails new boutique shop location. There is no judgment if you kill a plant. I will mourn with you and help you get the best plant options for your environment and lifestyle.
It shouldn’t be a production to bring a plant into your space, but it really can be. plantsandponytails offers a solution to the problem as you no longer need to go to a nursery or hardware store and retail location to get the whole set up as potting medium (soil), pots and plants are available in one location in a welcoming & fun atmosphere. You can come into the shop to get a quick gift, talk plants over a cup of tea, purchase fine local pottery or a get a plant friend in a thrift vessel. A potting station is also set up at the shop for people to get support with potting up a plant with a compatible planter.
And what is ponytails all about? I’m a mother of daughters. Giving my girls, and children, a chance to connect with the wonders of nature year round is not only fun for me, but contagious for them. In a world of constant screen time, it is nice to embrace greenery both indoors and out. The shop offers hands-on planting workshops.
I fully embrace the concept of “community over competition.” The shop will highlight local vendors and small businesses pop up style. The shop opens July 19th, 2019 with the Grand Opening on Saturday, August 11th, 2019. Come, visit and see that a plant life is a better life!
Who do you look up to? How have they inspired you?
When I was 6, I was matched with a Big Sister, Elise Fahey, from the Big Sister Program. She remains a big part of my life 30 years later. I’ve been to more nature trails, museums, arboretums and gardens from MA to CA than I can count, and admittedly, long before I could appreciate what they had to offer. The thought she puts into what seeds to order for her vegetable garden each year inspires me to be deliberate and planfuls in my endeavors as I tend to operate at a super speed pace naturally.
In December of 2017, I called upon the community in hopes to create a farmers market in my town.
Subsequently, I came into contact with seven women that I am blown away by daily. Together, we comprise the Board of Directors for Kingston Farmer’s Market, Inc. These ladies and selected vendors have inspired to me tighten my mission with plantsandponytails, as well as enhancing my efforts to locally source my products when it makes sense.
Contact Info:
- Address: 3 Columbia Rd.
Pembroke, MA 02359 - Phone: 413-297-8490
- Email: plantsandponytails@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/plantsandponytails/
- Facebook: @plantsandponytails
Getting in touch: BostonVoyager is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
