As a member of The Locality co-working space, I get to be part of all sorts of fun adventures. With that in mind, back in June of this year, I joined these powerhouse women business owners to Haven Farm for a discussion on mental health, to learn all about more easily keeping my houseplants alive, to tour the event spaces and to create my own martini succulent. Y’all, it is no exaggeration to say that I was blown away by all that Kaylynne, her mother, her brother and their team are creating and offering over at Haven Farm. As with everyone in her family, Kay cares deeply about living things and the community that connects us. Enjoy this peek inside the mind and heart of this absolute rock star!

First Friday Female Founder Feature:

Kaylynne Leggett

How would you describe your company and the products / services you offer?

My products include a variety of houseplants, houseplant amenities and houseplant accessories. I also offer a variety of interior plantscaping services, including consultations, maintenance and delivery.

Why did you start your company?

I decided to pursue the houseplant business in the midst of the pandemic. I have always had a passion for houseplants but had never pursued it on a professional level. The pandemic offered the opportunity to pivot from what I was doing with my career previously to being able to pursue this business full time.

What has been the most rewarding part of your journey in founding this company?

The beauty of pivoting. Creating your own business means you create it to be whatever you want it to be and, then, watch it bloom as it creates new growth and branches of possibilities.

About what are you most proud?

The mobile greenhouse truck that I created back in 2020! I was so excited to be able to create a mobile shopping experience and was blessed that the community received it / supported it as much as they have. I feel very grateful.

Are you naturally organized, was it a skill you learned or is it something with which you regularly struggle, and what tips or tools do you use to stay your most organized?

If you would’ve asked me before I started a business if I was organized, I would have said definitely yes. You ask me now? I’m going to say something different. Learning to be organized in a business is different from keeping your spaces clean and well kept. Keeping a business organized requires way more moving pieces and more strategy. Thankfully, I’ve gotten fantastic guidance along the way to get to a place where I have set structures to keep me on track.

Who’s the one person who changed your life, and why?

My mother is my muse. She is an incredible inspiration to me and has been my whole life. She leads by example and gives me the confidence to pursue my dreams.

Kaylynne Leggett working in the greenhouse at Haven Farm

What words of wisdom would you have for someone who is overwhelmed with staying organized and / or productive?

Allot yourself space to breathe and rest. If you don’t add moments of pause to your never-ending lists of things to do, you will bury yourself in unrealistic expectations. Allow yourself moments to walk away and breathe so that you can come back recharged.

Do you use technology to help stay productive or organized? If so, what’s your favorite program, app or tech tool?

I do! I love using Google Keep. It’s like having online sticky notes. I can keep ongoing list of things to do for the different branches of my work that require my attention and can share them with others that may be giving me assistance.

How do you feel about work/life efficiency or integration in your life, including any tips or challenges for managing the personal and professional commitments in your life?

Work/life balance is probably the most difficult yet most important balance to create. When I first created this business, I had no boundaries. And, honestly, I think when you are first creating the foundation of a business, it’s extremely difficult to create those boundaries. But being able to allocate time for yourself outside of your work is the key to being able to continue to love what you do without it running you into the ground. My first step in creating those boundaries was that I stopped booking myself for work on the weekends. Before this, I had no days off and was living in a space of exhaustion. Now, I have a strict cut off time on Friday evenings, I put my work away after that, taking time for myself, and I resume back first-thing on Monday morning. I, sometimes, still have to take work on the weekends, but even being able to create this boundary that I can frequently honor has allowed me to be in a much healthier space physically and emotionally.

About what causes are you most passionate?

I feel very passionately about giving people the freedom and right to live out their truths. I also feel very passionately about our planet’s health. Being good to Mother Earth and being able to respect her is vital to me. I speak pretty openly about these topics on my social platforms, including @thehouseplanthippie on Instagram.

What have you found to be the most effective way to relax after a long day or super long week?

I could go two ways: charcuterie and wine at home curled up in my bed or being out and about going to experiences / events in the area! Sometimes, the more difficult and / or busy weeks call for a weekend in with wine and my favorite foods, but, if I am up for it, I also love going to shows, museums and new places in the area that I have never been to before.

What is your favorite author/book?

The Overstory by Richard Powers.

What is your favorite inspirational quote?

“You are what you believe in. You become that which you believe you can become.” ― Bhagavad Gita

Houseplant Hippie products can now be purchased for home delivery via Door Dash

What is your go-to accessory?

Due to the nature of my work, I am not much of an accessory person. To be honest, my best accessory is my plant clippers!! I carry them with me everywhere I go and keep them attached at my hip. I always end up needing them, whether I am running the mobile plant shop or offering a consultation. Since that has become my new normal, it has become part of my routine to have them with me or in my pocket all the time (except for when I go to the airport… which I had to learn the hard way lol).

What are the fundamentals of your beauty routine?

Again, due to the nature of my work, I am not able to wear much makeup or try lots of things pertaining to beauty. My typical routine tends to be cleansing my face, following up with a toner, applying a base tinted moisturizer, adding waterproof mascara and, then, maybe finishing with a little lipstick here and there. My curly hair is the part that takes up the most time. Since I am outside all the time, I have to make sure to moisturize on a regular basis and often wear protective styles to avoid heat damage.

What is your favorite food?

Oh gosh… what don’t I like? I am a foodie. I do try to make conscious choices to eat as many vegetarian meals as possible with my weaknesses being pizza and cheesecake.

Of the locally-owned and -operated establishments in the place you currently live, which are your top 3 favorites and why?

Favorite local store: Edge of Urge.

Favorite local bar: House of Art.

Favorite local restaurant: Jolie.

All three of these locations are locally-owned and fantastically original. I feel like each of these places, in their own unique ways, represents the beauty of Raleigh.

What is your favorite place that you have visited?

I’ve been blessed to be able to travel to many places, and I’d say my favorite location so far is Grenada.

Kaylynne Leggett with her mother, Leslie Logan Brown

What streaming show or movie could you watch on an endless loop?

I could watch the movie 300 everyday if I had to

If you could have one superpower, what would it be?

I think the power to heal would be what I would ask for.

What advice would you give your 21-year-old self?

If I could tell my 21-year-old self something, I would tell myself to slow down and enjoy the moments. In my early 20s, I was running around so much and always making myself busy. Time just seemed to fly by and I didn’t realize how precious that time was until I was able to start recognizing that moments to cherish are vital.

If you could have lunch with anyone (living or deceased), who would it be and why?

George Lucas. I am a HUGE Star Wars fan… I’d love to pick his brain for an hour or so.

Kaylynne Leggett offers a wide variety of options to meet your plant needs through Houseplant Hippie.

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