MISSOULA — Despite all of the obstacles the COVID-19 pandemic has presented, entrepreneurs are still finding ways to open businesses and stay afloat.
Missoula’s new “plant leasing shop” is the perfect example. Located at 235 North First Street, Leaf + Quiet opened its doors just three months ago in the height of the pandemic.
The shop specializes in indoor plants and offers plant leasing, plant sitting, and consultations. Owner Clare Cornberg told MTN News the shop had a rocky start.
“I couldn't do a lot of things that people normally do when you start a business,” said Cornberg. “The monetary aspect of starting a business was really interesting. Because of the pandemic, banks were focusing on the PPP and not doing loans at all.”
Thanks to an increase in folks working from home, the plant industry has exploded. Cornberg described the situation as a double-edged sword saying that the demand for her service is high, but the supply is low.
“This has been the biggest boom that this industry has ever seen because so many people are staying home and they're a lot more aware of their spaces, and they're focusing on enhancing their spaces using plants, so the supply of things was just kind of obliterated, everything has been on backorder.”
If the pandemic has given business owners anything, it’s resilience, and Cornberg is proof of that. Amid watering and planting, she paused to reflect on the whirlwind of opening a business during such a bizarre time.
“I'm weirdly grateful to have opened my first shop now because I feel like I'm prepared for anything that comes next.”
If you’re looking around your own home or business, thinking a plant or two could spruce up your space, Leaf + Quiet can help determine what will work best. With the holidays nearby, Cornberg also has planters, plant hangers, books, and other plant paraphernalia perfect for gifts.
Click here to learn more about Leaf + Quiet.
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