Meet Michelle from Little Shop of Pourovers

We were able to have a chat with Michelle Eaton, the mind behind Little Shop of Pourovers– a Micro-Nursery and Houseplant consultant based in Saint Augustine, FL. You can support her business on Instagram and enjoy locally delivered plants!

Tell us about yourself! What made you want to start your business?

I love plants. They are like family pets to me...like a cat that keeps having kittens and you have to keep begging friends to take them...but plant babies are less responsibility than kittens, so most people are happy to be on the receiving end. I love sharing plants with people and sharing how to care for them. I love creating plant arrangements and finding the right plant for the right space, but the cost of soil and pots is prohibitive to keep giving plants away, so I became licensed to sell to replenish my soil and pots. It has always been about propogating and sharing healthy plants to spread a little happiness and Oxygen.

I am able to grow all the plants in my greenhouse (which shares space with my chickens and ducks) at home. It is part of my morning routine to walk around and check on all the plants (and animals) to see how they are doing and what they need...adjust light conditions, adjust watering, add some organic fertilizer...as the seasons and weather changes, so do the needs of each plant.

What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned since starting Little Shop of Pourovers?

I started the business to do something that I love and be able to share that enjoyment with other people. It is easy to get distracted by numbers and growth and new strategies, but for me, the biggest lesson is to focus on the parts I enjoy, and let the rest happen. It is a gross simplification and totally not applicable to everyone's situation, but for me...it works for where I am at.

What kind of challenges have you had to overcome as a small business owner? How has COVID-19 affected your business?

I began selling plants in a coffee shop (coffee is my other obsession) in St. Augustine, but COVID-19 has required that we all make adjustments. In my situation, it created less work. I packed up all my plants and brought them home and began selling them on Instagram and delivering them throughout St. Augustine, and a bit in Jacksonville as well (but only for my favorite customers).

What are your goals for the new year?

In this next year, I am looking at sourcing from some other Florida growers to bring a wider variety of houseplants to St. Augustine. I have been growing all my own plants to share up until now and am excited to work with a few other growers who are like-minded in their views on plant husbandry and sustainability.

I am also looking forward to partnering with a few local makers to create garden pots to complement our plants.

What are you inspired by lately?

The place where Domino Magazine and National Geographic meet is where I find inspiration. Quirky and colorful meets earthy and serene. It makes no sense...I know.

I have a couple of giveaways for the holidays scheduled highlighting some of my favorite St. Augustine makers. I am not licensed to sell plants out of the state of Florida, but the giveaways can be shipped in the continental U.S.

Any advice for people looking to start their own business?

It is a lot of work and something that will require a lot of your mental and physical energy. It is helpful before you are invested to make sure that it is something that you will enjoy thinking and scheming about...something that brings you joy and isn't a burden right off the bat.

Don't be afraid to copy what you like in other people, but also do the weird thing no one else is doing...who knows...your quirky might catch on.

What is your creative process?

I am constantly thinking and problem solving. How can this plant be happier? What plant will fill this person's space? How can we troubleshoot various plant pests? There is no start and finish, plants are a part of our normal life and daily rhythms. My children have learned to appreciate, care for, and name plants. It is a family affair as they contribute to the process.

You're based in St Augustine. What spots/businesses/makers are your favorite in town?

St. Augustine is so rich with unique characters and makers. I love the cinnamon rolls at Fiction Donuts and the coffee at Luna Cafe. The Thai Chicken Wrap at Crave is my favorite lunch, and my favorite dinner would be anything with Green Goddess Dressing from Catch 27. Linen and Waves is a beautiful boutique and I love seeing the creativity of designers like Future Friends and M.C.Pressure on Instagram. There are so many talented and creative people here and I love it!