Emily's Corner: An Introduction
As one of the first readers of our newsletter, thank you! When Ralph and I first tossed the idea of a newsletter around, I didn't expect it to take off like it has. Hearing from some of you that you've enjoyed and shared the content already means so much to us. It seems that now is a great time to do a little introduction.
How It Started
I’ve always found writing to be a great outlet and an easy way to help me learn. And I really needed to remember a lot of new information when I started working at Bark & Vine!
So what brought me to the shop?
My background in copywriting, journalism, and art led me to work in social media advertising for several years, but the agency grind left me feeling burnt out. Plus, I had been a remote worker since 2017 and when I moved to New Haven in 2021, that work-from-home life made it hard to find a community to plug into.
When a job at my favorite local plant shop opened, I applied, accepted an offer, and quit my agency job in July of 2022. It was my first time working retail, my first part-time job as an adult, and a true jump into the unknown. I loved it immediately!
How It's Going
As my time at Bark & Vine has passed, I've learned so much. I know I can ask Mariah about Calatheas, Isabella about cacti, Hannah about anything that's funky looking, and Christine about all of our rare plants in store. I had basic houseplant knowledge that stemmed (no pun intended) from my first plant purchase back in 2016, and my plant collection got a bit *jungle-y* before I moved here from North Carolina, but the team at Bark & Vine has been overwhelmingly open with sharing more tips, techniques, and care information to help me fill in the gaps. It's been rewarding to pass that knowledge onto our customers.
If there's one thing I know for sure, it's that there is a natural rhythm that houseplants can inject into your space and life. Slow down in the winter, focus on growth in the right seasons, make sure you’re getting enough sunshine, feed yourself with good ingredients, drink water.
Getting your hands dirty and learning to pay attention to cues from your plants can help you learn how to take better care of yourself as well. We hope you feel the same, and if not, we're here to show you ~the plant life~ way.
Where We Go From Here
Working at Bark & Vine has given me more than a break from the hustle and bustle of digital life; it has plugged me into community and given me a continued opportunity to learn, both about new plants we get in the store, and about myself as well. I hope that we can help you discover and learn through your plant parenthood journey as well. From beginners to experts and everyone in between, we love you all!
We're also working on expanding the store in some unique ways; this newsletter, our pet corner, a growing home goods section, larger professional projects, and more. Keep an eye out for new products and feel free to contact us for professional installation services. We serve homeowners and businesses alike.
And if you’re in New Haven, come see us in the shop. Stop in and say hello, you’ll love the space.
Thank you for following along. I hope you find our newsletter content useful, informative, and fun! Because isn't that what it's all about? It's a joy to write for Bark & Vine, and I hope that you’ll keep reading, sharing with friends, and growing alongside us.
-Emily