In a world where side hustles are becoming more popular, one woman’s story stands out as an inspiring example of how passion, coupled with determination, can lead to unexpected success.
Meet Pettigrew, a 44-year-old IT analyst who turned her love for houseplants into a profitable side business that brings in over $148,600 a year—all from the comfort of her garage in Houston.
The Unexpected Beginnings
Pettigrew’s journey into the world of plant selling didn’t start with a grand business plan or years of experience in horticulture. In fact, she had almost no prior gardening experience.
Like many during the pandemic, she found solace in redecorating her home, and that’s when her fascination with houseplants began. She started purchasing plants in 2022 to spruce up her living spaces.
However, it wasn’t long before her collection grew out of control, with her office, bedroom, and living room brimming with towering Monstera plants.
Faced with an overgrown indoor jungle, Pettigrew began exploring ways to sell some of her plants.
Her search led her to Palmstreet, an online marketplace that specializes in plants, crystals, and home decor. In June 2023, she decided to join the platform, and within just one year, she generated nearly $148,600 in revenue, according to documents reviewed by CNBC Make It.
Livestreams: The Secret to Success
One of the key factors behind Pettigrew’s success is her use of livestream sessions to sell her plants. Twice a week, she spends hours auctioning off plants like variegated micans, Anthurium luxurians, and Philodendron Ring of Fires to plant enthusiasts across the country.
Each session can last up to four hours or more, and sometimes, she’s joined by her husband, Marquise. Together, they sell around 100 plants per stream, all of which are shipped nationwide.
For Pettigrew, livestreaming was initially a daunting experience. As an introvert, she felt anxious on camera and struggled with the idea of presenting herself to an audience.
“When I first started, I was extremely anxious on camera and felt like I had to do a lot of preparation to be successful,” she recalls. “I still get nervous and sometimes take a shot of bourbon beforehand.”
Despite these challenges, her business continued to grow. Pettigrew attributes much of her success to her authenticity and the ability to connect with customers by being herself.
She emphasizes the importance of enthusiasm and joy in her livestreams, noting that it’s crucial to stand out in the competitive environment of online plant selling.
The Role of Family Support
Pettigrew’s husband, Marquise, has played a significant role in her side hustle’s success.
While he still dedicates about six hours per week to the automotive shop they co-own, he has significantly reduced his working hours thanks to the income generated from the plant business.
Marquise also helps with customer service, marketing, and shipping, alongside five contract employees who assist with various aspects of the business.The couple’s dynamic is an essential part of their livestreams.
Marquise’s playful personality helps Pettigrew feel more comfortable on camera, allowing them to engage with their audience in a fun and relatable way.
“We’re both silly, so he helps me goof around, have fun, and not take myself so seriously, which I think helps us connect to customers,” she says.
The Challenges of Turning a Hobby into a Business
While Pettigrew’s side hustle has been profitable, she acknowledges that turning her hobby into a business has its downsides. One of the biggest challenges is the difficulty in separating work from personal life.
Since both the plant business and the automotive shop are run out of their home, Pettigrew and her husband often find it hard to “turn off” work and make time for their personal lives.
To combat this, they’ve started taking weekend trips around Texas to physically remove themselves from their work environment and reconnect with each other.
These mini-getaways have become an essential part of maintaining their well-being and ensuring that their work-life balance remains in check.
Pettigrew also notes that once you own your own business, there’s always something more to do.
“There’s always something more to do. The side hustle, and my husband and I’s remote jobs, are all out of our house. That can make it hard to stop working,” she explains.
Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
Pettigrew’s journey from hobbyist to successful entrepreneur offers valuable lessons for those considering turning their passion into a side hustle.
Her experience highlights the importance of dedication, authenticity, and the willingness to embrace new challenges, even if they push you out of your comfort zone.
While she believes that almost anyone can replicate her success, she’s quick to point out that it’s not for everyone.
Palmstreet is a competitive marketplace, and building enough inventory to get accepted on the platform requires an initial investment of around $1,000.
Moreover, maintaining a successful plant business involves a significant commitment, from sourcing and caring for plants to engaging with customers on social media and during livestreams.
Ultimately, Pettigrew’s story is a testament to the power of pursuing your passion and the potential rewards of taking a leap of faith. For those willing to put in the time and effort, the possibilities are endless.
Whether you’re an introvert or extrovert, seasoned entrepreneur or complete novice, there’s room for success in the world of side hustles—especially when you lead with enthusiasm and authenticity.