Hydroponics Store

         

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Interview with Emily Ross, owner of Green Thumb Hydroponics in Portland, Oregon.

1. Can you tell us a little bit about your background and how you became interested in hydroponics?

I've always had a passion for gardening and growing my own vegetables, but living in the Pacific Northwest, our short growing season made it challenging. That's when I stumbled upon hydroponics and was fascinated by the ability to grow plants indoors year-round. I dove headfirst into research and experimentation, eventually deciding to turn my hobby into a business.

2. What inspired you to open Green Thumb Hydroponics, and when did you open your doors?

I opened Green Thumb Hydroponics in 2012. At the time, I noticed that there weren't many local stores in Portland that specialized in hydroponics systems and supplies. I saw an opportunity to fill that gap and share my passion with others.

3. What were some of the biggest challenges you faced in getting your business off the ground?

One of the biggest challenges was finding suppliers that I trusted and building relationships with them. It was also challenging to establish ourselves as a reputable source of hydroponics supplies when we were just starting out.

4. How did you overcome those challenges?

I spent a lot of time doing research and attending trade shows to connect with suppliers. I also focused on providing excellent customer service to help build trust and a positive reputation.

5. Can you tell us about a particularly difficult time in your business and how you navigated through it?

The COVID-19 pandemic was definitely a difficult time for us, as it was for many businesses. We were forced to close our brick-and-mortar store for several months, which meant a loss of income. However, we were able to pivot to online sales and thanks to Shopify, we were able to make that transition seamlessly. We ended up exceeding our sales goals for the year despite the challenges we faced.

6. You mentioned Shopify - can you tell us how that platform helped your business grow?

Shopify has been a game-changer for us. It's made it so much easier to manage our online store and has provided us with valuable insights into our sales and customer behavior. The platform is incredibly easy to use and has allowed us to scale our business in ways we never thought possible.

7. What advice would you give to someone interested in starting their own hydroponics business?

Do your research and be prepared to work hard. Building a successful business takes time and effort, but if you're passionate about what you do, it's incredibly rewarding. Also, don't be afraid to ask for help or advice from other business owners - the hydroponics community is incredibly supportive and welcoming.

Thank you, Emily, for taking the time to share your story and insights with us. We wish you continued success with Green Thumb Hydroponics!

         

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