This week went a little different. In addition to our regular scheduled blogs, (Monday, Wednesday, Friday) OnBrand branched out and planted roots into a relationship that would not only flourish one but two names. Succulent Bella, a local business, friend, and our first collaboration, combined efforts with OnBrand to create a fun passion project for all to feel inspired. OnBrand recently had the opportunity to accompany Succulent Bella on her process of selecting, purchasing, and planting plants for her side business. Succulent Bella has held pop-up shops at cafes, coffee shops, fundraisers and even a chiropractor office locally, where she sells succulents of all shapes and sizes. Succulent Bella sources all her succulents from local nurseries, as well as donates a percentage of proceeds to a cause in need. Of course, with all this amazing work and a reputation that doesn’t fail to impress, OnBrand was more than excited to join forces and publish something special for all viewers. This week please read and enjoy OnBrand’s perspective on the experience of working with Succulent Bella. 

First a bit of backstory. Isabella was born and raised in Northern California until she headed south for college. She grew up very involved in school and pursued to study Industrial Engineering at Cal Poly Pomona. Unfortunately, due to COVID-19 she was one of many forced off her college campus and was sent to return home to figure out the next stages of her adult life (mid pandemic). Isabella also lost her restaurant job due to the outbreak and so with tons of time and plans put on hold she decided to create a new outcome for herself. Please, don’t just take it from me, read her words yourself.

“I was inspired to start my business during the pandemic. I had lost my job in the restaurant industry and I needed something to keep me occupied during quarantine. I became a new plant mom and realized that the arrangements I was making actually looked pretty neat. People started showing interest in my creations and it eventually transformed into Succulent Bella! Picking up a plant hobby brought me out of my funk during quarantine, so I really aimed to “share the joy of succulents” with other people, hoping it would do the same for them.” – Succulent Bella 

Observing from a distance, the light that is Succulent Bella only shined brighter and brighter throughout time. With many more successful pop-ups Succulent Bella has graciously donated to several non-profits and other social movements such as Innocence Project, OUR Rescue, International Sanctuary and California Fire Foundation. Incredible results for what first seemed like an enjoyable hobby, yet achievement, didn’t come overnight.

When asked how long the process takes to shop, plant and present plants for sale, Succulent Bella showed us firsthand. On the morning of September 26th, 2020, OnBrand traveled to Golden Valley Nursery for a closer, greener look. 

“It could take me a couple times coming back here (the nursery) before I have all the plants I need. I also range how many plants I buy depending on the pop-up store, it typically ranges from 30-45 plants.” - Succulent Bella 

After purchasing all that’s required the work is merely beginning as now comes the transferring of pots for each succulent. Each plant gets replanted, watered, and dusted off for immense presentation. It really is an impressive type of work and we here at OnBrand for one appreciate the fact that no matter the price of item each individual product receives the same outstanding care.

After the day was done, we at OnBrand came together as a team and realized why it’s important to support more local businesses such as this one. You love the product, but you believe more in the people making it, there’s something special when it’s just one person’s passion, hard work and ambition that creates a special brand. We can safely say from our perspective Succulent Bella deserves that title in our book. We thank you again Isabella for your time and effort, may your story lead to more conversations about starting new beginnings and embracing change. Until next time remember these words..

“If you have the urge to be and create something bigger than yourself, do it! Whether it’s starting your own business or fighting for a social movement that matters to you – you are capable of so much more than you think.” - Succulent Bella

Stay Safe and Happy Travels 

OnBrand

P.S.A. Succulent Bella will be holding a pop up shop this Saturday and would love to see you all there. All details will be listed below and if you have any questions her instagram is @succulentbella