Leena Pettigrew's venture into the world of plants began with a humble golden pothos that didn't make it under her care in 2017. However, fast forward to 2022, after a hiatus of five years, Leena reignited her passion for indoor gardening during a visit to a local store where she got captivated by succulents, leading to a household filled with lush Monsteras and other greenery by 2024.
As space in their home started to diminish due to the growing plant collection, Leena turned to an online marketplace, Palmstreet, to sell surplus plants. In June, she kicked off her side business through live-streamed auctions on the platform, a move that significantly boosted her earnings.
The Pettigrews saw their monthly income reach an average of $12,380 by July 2024, managing a substantial inventory of up to 1,000 plants from their garage turned greenhouse. While Leena continues to work full-time in IT, the plant business has evolved into a significant source of income, allowing Marquise to scale back his hours at an auto repair shop he co-owned.
The couple's reassuring chemistry during live auctions, along with their commitment to quality service and engaging with customers, has propelled their business to success. With plans to surpass Leena's IT salary, the pair envisions expanding their plant business, potentially selling the auto shop, moving to Florida, and establishing a larger greenhouse operation with a focus on community involvement.