Betting on the Renaissance

House plants have always been about connection to me. Not only in the sense that they bring us closer to nature, but also the bonds that they weave between people. My mom has given me plants for years, and with each one comes a story. Who it came from, what was happening in her life at the time - they all illicit a memory of something important. She’s passed that habit on to me, and now I have a houseful of living memories. Every plant is an opportunity to share an experience or form a new connection.

Pott’d was born in the midst of isolation, after I had exhausted baking, cleaning, organizing, binge-watching and all the other phases. While so much has been difficult this year, plants have been the constant that have kept me from spiraling. Talking about plants helps me feel social without leaving the house. Caring for them and having a routine helps keep anxiety at bay. The happiness I find in a new leaf poking out is enough to last me for days. Pott’d is my way of sharing that with the world.

Plant parenting can be extremely daunting, and it doesn’t take long in the hobby groups to get overwhelmed. The goal is to alleviate the stress when it comes to picking out new friends. I’ll be honest, when I first moved into an apartment with decent lighting, I bought stuff because it looked pretty, and not all of them survived. One of the things we are working on at Pott'd is an honest interview for new plant owners. Asking questions about space, lighting, design, and realistic care goals will help us ensure the best experience for both plant and person. Plants will come in the proper sized pots with the right soil so there’s no guesswork. Care guides will be available in print and on Jott’d.

Jott’d will be a mix of education and experiences about plants. A community to learn and share botanical knowledge, care tips, and stories. There is no one way to do things when it comes to house plants, and it’s about finding what works. Jott’d is a place where people can come to figure that out and get support without judgement.

We live in a tumultuous world right now, and I founded this company betting on the Renaissance. We will get through this together and we will blossom.

Imagery by G. Arnold