Day 24 :: Milestone – This one took some time to figure out because there were many milestones on this bumpy road. Like the first time the mighty USDA came to inspect our backyard because we ship miniature trees & plants out of State. Or how about the time a client gave me $300 and said, “I love your work, I trust you.” But this montage above was from our first display at the Seattle Miniature Show that won “Best of Show.” I came to pick up the garden after a very long, grueling, cold day vending at the Sunday Fremont Market where I only made $30 and was questioning my life-choices. When I saw the purple Best of Show ribbon on my miniature garden display, I cried. I knew all my efforts weren’t for naught.
Digging Deeper with America’s Favorite Miniature Garden Center, TwoGreenThumbs.com, Final Part 3
This was an Instagram challenge this past March called #MarchMeettheMaker and I found it was a great way to tell you more about what we do here at America’s favorite – and first – Miniature Garden Center.
There was a list to follow of what to post each day for 31 days. We’ve divided it up into three blogs, here is the first, Part 1,here is the second, Part 2 and this is the last here below, so you too can find out more about us. We’re the little company that could and did.
Here is the third part of our story, through Instagram photos.
Day 21 :: Work Clothes – I didn’t think we had a uniform, until today. Lol! Now, we do have our outdoor Crocs and gardening clothes too! Bare feet and flip-flops in the summertime… <~> one of the pros for working at home.
Day 22 :: Bestseller – My bestseller is my book, Gardening in Miniature: Create Your Own Tiny Living World published by Timber Press. It was a bestseller for the publisher before the book was even released in June of 2013. It remained on the bestseller list on Amazon for months in both the miniature department and in the flower gardening department. It has since been translated into German, Turkish and soon-to-be Korean. It is the best book on the hobby and written by someone (Me!) who is genuinely passionate about miniatures and gardening, and the pioneer of this new garden niche, since 2001.
Day 23 :: Studio Playlist – We listen to a combo of talk radio, audio books, podcasts and, most importantly, “THE” Seattle dance music radio station, C89.5 – one of the oldest in the nation – and Steve’s fave.
Day 26 :: Packaging – This our baby and the first product that we had to design the packaging for. The Mini Patio Mix Kit is designed especially for miniature gardeners by a miniature gardener! We look forward to doing more as we tend to know what the hobby needs and wants – because actually garden in miniature too – we don’t just sell it and we don’t chase shiny bullets either.
Day 26 :: Texture – As an artist that plays in the garden, color and texture is always a consideration with whatever I do. The concept was drilled into me during art college when form and texture helped define and add depth and richness to all artworks (I studied painting, sculpture and new media.) These days, when working daily along side Ma Nature, I have the the best examples that one could have!
Day 27 :: Routine – Most days start with a 5K walk with my best girl, Kitty. Our neighborhood has several peekaboo views of downtown Seattle ~> that photo looks north to downtown. Our walk includes an abandoned track that is just beside a golf course. Oh, and that’s not our Magnolia, but our neighbors. I worship it every time we walk by.
Day 28 :: Organization – One of the critical tasks in the miniature garden studio is to remain organized as much as possible. Because everything is so tiny, it can quickly get out of hand if you are not paying attention. Boxes help tremendously as does “taking inventory” – looking through everything – to remember what you have!!
Day 29 :: In Action – I take my own photos so it’s not very often that I get one in action. Perhaps a selfie-stick would help.
Day 29 :: Books – Yep! Got those! I am very blessed and very grateful to have this vocation bestowed upon me by the Universe, or perhaps it was from god, herself. ???? The worlds best – and best selling! – book on the miniature garden hobby ~> Gardening in Miniature: Create Your Own Tiny Living World. Published by the expert team @timberpress, the worlds top garden publisher.
Day 30 :: Customers – Customers become clients and clients become friends. I would not be here without my customers and fans. Word. It was uncanny: every single time I threw up my hands, decided to pack it in and get a day job (Honestly, there are better ways to not make any money!!) I received a phone call (I’m dating myself) or an email from someone thanking me for introducing them to this wonderfully creative hobby of miniature gardening. People have hugged me, squealed, cried, stared at me and, of course, laughed. Miniature gardening saves lives – the stories I could tell if they were only my stories to tell. =This program is all in thanks to @joannehawker)
We no longer consistently post on Instagram. Unfortunately “the game” finally got to us and we decided to focus our attention to growing and nurturing the hobby. You can see our Instagram feed here.
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