How I Turned My Love for Gardening into a Profitable Landscaping Business
By Chidera Okwuosa
I grew up in a small town in Nigeria, surrounded by lush greenery and colorful flowers. My love for gardening started at a young age. While other kids were busy playing football or chasing after lizards, I was busy tending to my mother’s small garden. She would often say, “Chidera, if you take care of these plants, they will take care of you.” Little did I know how true those words would become.
The Early Days
As I grew older, my passion for plants blossomed. I remember the first time I successfully grew a tomato plant from a single seed. The joy I felt when I harvested those juicy tomatoes was indescribable! I would often sell some at the local market, earning a small profit. That was when the thought first crossed my mind: could I actually turn this love into a business?
But life had its own plans. After finishing secondary school, I had to focus on my education and then my job as a bank teller. While it paid the bills, my heart longed to return to the soil. I often found myself daydreaming about flowers, shrubs, and creating beautiful landscapes.
Taking the Leap
Fast forward to a few years later, I found myself stuck in a rut. The daily grind of banking was draining my spirit. One fateful evening, as I was scrolling through my phone, I stumbled upon a video of a man transforming a dull backyard into a stunning garden. My heart raced! In that moment, I made the decision to take a leap of faith.
I started small, using my savings to buy plants and tools. I began landscaping my own backyard. Friends and family were amazed at the transformation. “Chidera, you should do this for a living!” they said, and their encouragement lit a fire in me. I knew it was time to take my passion seriously.
Building the Foundation
I decided to invest in my knowledge. I read everything I could find about landscaping and gardening. YouTube became my best friend. I watched tutorials, learned about different plant species, and understood how to design beautiful outdoor spaces. I even attended workshops whenever I could spare some time.
The journey wasn’t easy. There were days when I would plant something, only for it to wither away. I encountered pests that feasted on my hard work. I faced discouragement when clients didn’t respond positively to my initial pitches. But each setback taught me a lesson. I learned to be resilient.
Starting the Business
With a solid foundation of knowledge, I was ready to launch my landscaping business, “Green Dreams.” I started by offering my services to friends, family, and neighbors. Word of mouth spread quickly. Before I knew it, I was getting inquiries from people I didn’t even know.
I learned that networking is crucial. Attending community events and markets allowed me to showcase my work. I would bring along photos of my previous projects, and soon, people were reaching out for consultations. I charged reasonable fees, and as my reputation grew, so did my client base.
Overcoming Challenges
Running a business in Nigeria comes with its own set of challenges. There were constant power outages, which made it difficult to keep my tools charged. Transportation was also a hassle; getting materials to job sites was often a headache. But I refused to let these issues deter me. Instead, I adapted. I found local suppliers who offered reliable delivery services and invested in a generator to keep my tools powered.
One of the biggest challenges was managing my time. Balancing my day job with my landscaping business was tough. I often worked late into the night, but my love for what I was doing kept me going. The satisfaction I felt when a client loved their new garden was worth every sleepless night.
The Sweet Rewards
As years passed, my small side hustle turned into a full-fledged business. I was able to quit my banking job and dedicate myself entirely to landscaping. The financial freedom I gained was incredible. I could now support my family and even save up for my own home.
Another beautiful aspect of this journey has been the relationships I've built. I now have clients who have become friends. We share stories over cups of palm wine and discuss how to make their gardens even more beautiful. Gardening has a way of bringing people together, and I cherish that.
Giving Back
One thing that has always been important to me is giving back to my community. I started a small initiative where I teach young kids in my neighborhood about gardening. I believe it’s essential to pass on this knowledge, just as my mother did for me. Seeing their faces light up when they plant their first seed is a reward like no other.
Turning my love for gardening into a profitable landscaping business has been one of the most fulfilling journeys of my life. It hasn’t been without its struggles, but every challenge has shaped me into who I am today. If you have a passion, don’t be afraid to pursue it. Follow your heart, learn, adapt, and never give up.
What do you think? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments!