Today we’d like to introduce you to Kelli Loftus
Hi Kelli, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I’m a former neuro-trauma ICU nurse, and my daughter, Carlee, an attorney—we’ve both discovered firsthand how a houseplant (or twenty) can keep us grounded, teach us patience, connect us to nature, and bring a sense of well-being amid life’s daily chaos.
Our love of houseplants and horticulture began nearly twenty years ago while working for a small, locally owned nursery in Virginia. When we moved to Florida, that passion only grew—literally! With the Sunshine State’s endless variety of tropical foliage, warm temperatures, and humidity, our houseplant options expanded like never before.
Inspired by the local market scene (and, if we’re being honest, Joanna Gaines an HGTV celeb), we decided to take our plant obsession to the next level and open Wally’s Old Florida Plant Shop, a local plant pop-up specializing in beautifully planted houseplants, cacti, and succulents. Our first pop-ups at the Lakewood Ranch Main Street Market were a huge success, and we’ve been a consistent vendor there since October 2022.
Wally’s has grown from a small pop-up to now offering custom plant deliveries in Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch, and Bradenton, along with lanai makeovers, plant spa days, and planting parties.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Starting Wally’s Plant Shop came with its fair share of challenges from investment money to sourcing quality plants to attracting an initial customer base.
Wanting the initial investment to be minimal, we put in a lot of sweat equity that first year propagating plants, scavenging estate sales for vintage vessels and mixing concrete to make one-of-a-kind planters. Over the past two and a half years, we have been fortunate enough to partner with reputable plant growers and wholesale dealers for planters. We have been able to establish a recognizable brand with copper name plates (we name our plants!) and plant care cards that are included with each plant. In the end, Wally’s has flourished by focusing on creativity, dedication and strong community connections.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Wally’s Old Florida Plant Shop believes that houseplants are the friends you make family. They bring life and vibrancy into your home all while enhancing aesthetics. Some say they’re the best family members- they’re clean, quiet, and beautiful.
All of Wally’s plants are lovingly potted in a unique vintage vessel, a more traditional planter, or one of our handcrafted organic concrete planters and named with a copper tag! Naming plants creates a personal and emotional connection for our customers. When the plants are named, they feel more like companions rather than just decor. It also adds a sense of charm and personality to the shopping experience, making each plant unique and memorable. Names also encourages care and long-term satisfaction of their new green “friend”.
If you have an existing plant that needs a little love, Wally’s offers plant spa days which are all about pampering your leafy friends and giving them the care they deserve. You can bring your houseplant in for a rejuvenating session that includes gentle cleaning, pruning, and pest checks to keep them looking their best. Wally’s team will repot them into fresh soil if needed and offer tips for optimizing their care at home. Whether your fiddle leaf fig needs a little TLC or your pothos needs a fresh start, Wally’s Plant Spa Days are here to help.
Wally’s can also help you transform your outdoor space with their lanai makeovers, where we bring lush greenery and thoughtful design to your Florida lanai. Whether you’re dreaming of a tropical retreat , a cozy garden nook, or a vibrant space for entertaining, the Wally’s team will create a plant-filled haven tailored to your style. With Wally’s expert touch, your lanai will become the ultimate escape- beautiful, relaxing and bursting with life!
Carlee and I joke that we play in the dirt so that you don’t have to! Our goal is to save you the headache of creating that perfect finished product, whether it be for your own home or to gift another. We’ve got you covered.
However if you do want to play in the dirt, Wally’s offers planting parties. These interactive events have quickly become a favorite among plant lovers, providing a fun and creative way to connect with others while getting a hands-on planting experience. Whether it’s a birthday celebration, team-building activity, or simply a unique gathering with friends, planting parties offer a personalized experience where guests can choose from a variety of plants and decorative pots to create their own beautiful green arrangements. With expert guidance from the Wally’s team, participants learn practical plant care tips while crafting something special to take home. The success of these parties has cemented them as a core part of Wally’s mission to make plant care accessible and enjoyable for everyone. Because, much like we do, plants need care. Nurturing our plants is a great reminder of how we must nurture ourselves, others, and the world we live in.
We all have a different way of looking at and defining success. How do you define success?
At Wally’s Plant Shop, success is about more than just selling plants—it’s about nurturing a love for houseplants and building a vibrant, connected community. Success means inspiring customers to bring the joy of plants into their lives, empowering them with knowledge and confidence to care for their leafy companions. It’s reflected in every thriving plant that leaves the shop, every smile at a planting party, and every returning customer who feels like part of the Wally’s family. By fostering relationships, promoting sustainability, and sharing the beauty of nature, Wally’s measures success not only in growth but in the positive impact it creates for people and the planet.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.wallysplantshop.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/wallysplantshop
