The truth behind the party
I’ve always been the “I got it” girl. Independent to a fault. Owning a plant shop and curating Atlanta Plant Fest pushed me to face that head-on. Pulling off a city-sized celebration of plant culture didn’t require a superhero. It required a community. Friends showed up. Partners leaned in. Customers pitched ideas and volunteered time. I learned that people who love you actually want to help—sometimes they’re just waiting for an opening.
Curating Atlanta, not just a market
Atlanta Plant Fest isn’t just tables and tents. It’s a blueprint for how our city connects.
- Story over sales. Every vendor brings a point of view—rare aroids, plant tips, & hand-mixed soil. We’re teaching while we’re selling, so people leave confident, not overwhelmed.
- Collaboration over competition. Shops that might feel like “competitors” become co-hosts of the culture. We share resources, cross-promote, and design moments that make everyone shine.
- Neighborhood energy. From Pittsburgh Yards to our Plant Crawl routes, we keep it rooted in ATL—music, food, vendors, and that kinds of conversation that turns strangers into friends.
The part I resisted—and why I’m grateful I let go
Asking for help used to feel like admitting I couldn’t handle it. Planning the Plant Fest reframed that. Listening to advice and suggestions created space for better ideas and smoother execution. Friends helped setup and clean up. Volunteers managed my shop. Partners handled POS and cocktails. A friend who can DJ set the vibe. Each “yes” made the event more joyful and more Atlanta than I could have achieved alone.
“Community is the trellis. We climb higher together.”
Lessons I’m taking into every season
- Ask early and clearly. People want to help when they understand the mission and the job.
- Match strengths to roles. Put detail-oriented folks at check-in, hype humans on the mic, green thumbs in plant-care zones.
- Build shared wins. Offer vendors, partners, and volunteers real visibility, sales opportunities, and meaningful shout-outs.
- Center care. For plants and people. Water breaks, snacks, and grace when weather or logistics go left.
If plants have taught me anything…
Propagation only works with healthy cuts, clean tools, and patience. Community works the same way. Plant Fest grew because we cut what wasn’t serving, invited fresh growth, and tended to each other with honesty and joy. I still value my independence. I’m also proud that I’m learning to let people in.
Join us and grow with us
- Save the date: The next Atlanta Plant Fest is April 4, 2026 (404 Day). Expect more education, more local flavor, and more space to connect.
- Get involved: Want to volunteer, vend, or sponsor? Tell me where you thrive, and we’ll plug you in.
- Stay connected: Subscribe to the Pink Pothos newsletter for behind-the-scenes planning notes, vendor spotlights, and plant-care mini-lessons tied to our programming.
Be part of the trellis. Join the list, bring a friend, and let’s keep building Atlanta’s plant community—one generous “yes” at a time.