Meet Brooke Blocker | owner of Outside In Plants

We had the good fortune of connecting with Brooke Blocker and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Brooke, what role has risk played in your life or career?
Risk comes with a little courage, a bit of fear, and as we all hope, that satisfying reward. And certain risks are necessary in both life and business– they help push us to progress. However, I’m definitely thoughtful about which risks I take. The right risk can be incredibly positive, and a chance to optimize an opportunity. While I’m not risk-averse, I defintely think there are “wrong” risks– and I don’t believe in taking risks for the sake of it, it needs to make logical and practical sense.

In my case, moving to another state, switching up careers, and opening a business all came with risk (and the accompanying courage, fear, and reward!). But I’ve learned that taking a slow and steady approach with as much planning as possible can minimize “risky” situations and feelings.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
In 2020, I opened Outside In Plants solely as an e-commerce houseplant shop due to the pandemic. So operating out of our garage with just a trunkload of plants, we started sending packages across the country. And during such an isolating time, many found a sense of connection, joy, and wellbeing through those houseplants. People were able to “bring the outside in”– enlivening spaces and reaping positive benefits of nature even while inside.

Over the past three years, I’ve been popping up at local markets with my houseplants. The opportunity to connect in person with the community has been the most rewarding and motivating aspect of this small business journey. Eager, excited customers asked time and time again when a brick-and-mortar would open– and after searching for over a year, the plant shop has recently opened!

We’ve shaped Outside In into a delightful, aesthetically-pleasing, little indoor plant oasis in the middle of South Florida. I envisioned a space where people— from beginners to experienced plant parents— can come to browse easy to uncommon plant finds. A place to learn (from our services and organized workshops) and expand their knowledge of plants. An impactful place too, staying actively committed to the environment and the local community. Then by offering plant care resources and extending unlimited lifetime support, customers themselves can feel a sense of ease and confidence with plants.

We’re constantly morphing, and that’s the most exciting part of this venture. We come from a place of “yes” and will take on just about any request– which means we now also offer housecalls, workshops, custom moss walls, and plant services (like repotting, interior plantscaping, and even plant rentals for events, real estate staging, & yachts). I’m a creative, so fresh ideas and requests truly drive my passion and propel the business to new areas.

To date, we have gifted 1000+ plants in an effort to give back to our supportive community and we’ll continue providing in meaningful ways. The plant shop offers a safe, educational, and exciting place for locals to visit. Aiming to dispel the myth of a green thumb, we truly believe that everyone can succeed with houseplants!

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
A few of my go-to’s when out-of-towners visit include:

– Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden – hands down my favorite activity. The gardens are sprawling and the rare plants are astonishing.

– Morikami Museum & Japanese Garden– of course another plant-related spot, I can’t help myself. Morikami is conveniently only a few miles from our plant shop. Plus, the food is great for a little lunch bento.

– Las Olas– I love roaming Las Olas in Fort Lauderdale for the art walks, good food, and even happy hours. Of course, Planta is a must.

– Pop-up Markets– South Florida has some of the best markets with amazing local artisans. Some of my favorites are the Flamingo Flea, Indie Craft Bazaar, and Las Olas Oceanside Park market.

– Lauderdale-by-the-Sea– for a more quaint beach day.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I wouldn’t be where I am today without the organizers and customers of the pop-up markets (our true origin). Those first supporters– at Flamingo Flea and The Seed specifically– gave us an opportunity to introduce Outside In to the local community. And of course, interacting with our customers in person was the most rewarding aspect and still keeps us going! We love bonding over and sharing the love of plants!

Website: outsideinco.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/outsideinco/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/outsideinco

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@outsideinco