Floral and Plant retail entrepreneur Katherine Raz of The Fernseed (left) and a peek at the shop's Stem Bar (c) Devon Michelle Photography (right)
I'm excited about today's guest, not only because her enterprise is located right in my backyard, in Tacoma, Washington. Please meet Katherine Raz of The Fernseed. The Fernseed is a modern plant shop and floral studio with two storefront locations in Tacoma.
Grab N Go Stem Bar at The Fernseed (c) Devon Michelle Photography
This boutique is home to lush, verdant, uncommon plants for home interiors and floral bouquets and vase arrangements for the home and gift-giving. I love how clearly Katherine states The Fernseed's services: Beautiful Houseplants, Handmade Pots, Local Flowers and Daily Delivery.
Katherine launched The Fernseed in 2018 as an online store that sold unique handmade designs for potting and displaying houseplants, and she opened the first brick-and-mortar location in April, 2019.
Inside The Fernseed (c) Devon Michelle Photography
She'll share how The Fernseed was forced to close for nearly three months during the COVID-19 pandemic, during which Katherine and her team launched nationwide shipping, local delivery, and several new products offerings, including plant grams and plant-along-at-home kits.
The Fernseed's floral designer Oriana Di Fede
In September, 2020, The Fernseed opened a second storefront location on Tacoma’s historic South Tacoma Way. The shop now offers a floral stem bar and floral arrangements for grab-and-go pickup, and local delivery, 60% of which are sourced from small flower farms in Washington, Idaho, California, Oregon, and British Columbia. Between them, Katherine and her all-female team own and care for more than 400 houseplants -- in their personal collections!
Engaging customers with plants (c) Devon Michelle Photography
. . . . and with flowers! (c) Devon Michelle Photography
I'm so inspired and encouraged by the entrepreneurial story Katherine has shared about diversification, changing course and taking risks! I know you'll love learning about Katherine's journey as she has evolved and expanded organically, sustaining her business against the challenges of a global pandemic and emerging stronger.
Here's how to find and follow The Fernseed:Fernseed on FacebookFernseed on InstagramFernseed on Pinterest
Dating back to the launch of the Slow Flowers Podcast, in July 2013, we have recorded a rich history of conversations with amazing people in the world of plants, flowers and design. We feel so proud of each one of our guests, many of whom can say their very first podcast appearance happened here! And when other accolades come their way, we take pride in those achievements, too. So this week, I want to give a shout-out to two of our past Slow Flowers Podcast guests who are distinguished recipients of the 2021 Great American Gardeners Award from The American Horticultural Society, announced earlier this month.
Perla Sophia Curbelo, of Puerto Rico's AgroChic
As a past Great American Gardener Award recipient, I know how special it is to receive this achievement and recognition! Huge congratulations to Perla Sofia Curbelo-Santiago of AgroChic, Garden Podcaster and Radio Show Host, San Juan, P.R. for receiving the B.Y. MORRISON COMMUNICATION AWARD – which recognizes effective and inspirational communication—through print, radio, television, and/or online media—that advances public interest and participation in horticulture. Hear our August 2018 interview with Perla in episode 364.
Lisa Waud (c) ee berger photograph
And Major Props to floral installation artist and creator of the famed Flower House Detroit, Lisa Waud, recipient of the FRANCES JONES POETKER AWARD – which recognizes significant contributions to floral design in publications, on the platform, and to the public. Lisa is currently working with Slow Flowers on membership projects and she has appeared on the Slow Flowers Pod...