Terra Cotta Botanical Boutique is a new plant store on the east side of Mercer Street and I was excited to go in and see it! I now have some big, beautiful house plants in my home and am relying on Mari’s expertise to keep them alive! Here is the blog interview to learn more about Terra Cotta…
Hi! Tell us more about yourself!
Hi my name is Marisol Soza and I’m from Midland, Texas. I went to college at Texas State and got my degree in Horticulture/Business. When I graduated I went to work for a hydroponic farm in Austin where I grew leafy greens, kitchen herbs, and vegetables. I worked there for 3 years before moving indoors to a plant shop in Austin, because it’s too hot to work outside here. I managed a wonderful shop for 4 years before I was ready to open up my own passion project. My dog Olive and I make a great team and I bring her with me everywhere!
What brought you to Dripping Springs?
I’m actually engaged to one of the British bakers at The Great British Baking Co. So when the retail space at the end of the strip became available, his mom (my future mother in law) suggested I should look into it! I’m so glad she did because I love being apart of the community here.
Tell us about Terra Cotta…
Terra Cotta is a botanical paradise right in the heart of Dripping. Inside you’ll find lush tropical plants, interesting desert specimens, affordable ceramics, and lots of fun accessories for both people and plants. It’s a great place to learn about plants and feel connected to nature.
Have you always loved plants?
I think I realized I really connected with plants when I was going to college at Texas State. But I would say helping my mom garden and picking up sticker burs in West Texas with my dad led me to this point subconsciously!
What is the easiest plant to keep alive?
For me personally I love a plant that I don’t have to really do too much for. So I’d say a ZZ plant or Sansevieria of any type is the easiest because they are very low light tolerant, don’t require a lot of watering, and they are both great air purifiers.
What is your personal favorite plant ever?
I have so many favorite plants but if you were to ask me to pick one I’d have to say the Agave in bloom. They call the agave the Century plant because its blooms are supposed to take a century to appear. When they finally do mature enough the blooms are so rewarding! They remind me of something out of a Dr. Seuss book, absolutely amazing.
Do you help your customers pick their plants based on any certain criteria?
I want to help customers pick a plant that is best suited to their space. I often ask people to bring me a picture of the area so I can get a better understanding of the lighting situation. I’d say keeping plants alive is really about finding a good balance between light and water. I always make sure my customers are using the best watering methods for their plants because it is honestly half the battle.
What do you love about running a business in Dripping Springs?
I really appreciate the small, tight knit community we have here. It’s so nice to be able to see repeat customers, fellow business owners, and the original locals in the store. Having conversations about what you’re doing this weekend, who’s birthday it is, etc. is really something that makes me feel a part of the community. I do feel like we all try to support each other in many ways!
How can we follow along on your journey?
I’d love to meet at the store and talk your ear off, but I do have social media as well! My instagram is @terracottabb and my Facebook is @ Terra Cotta Botanical Boutique. Thanks so much for reading and hope to see you!
Do you LOVE Dripping Springs, too? I’m a local real estate agent and would be happy to help you buy or sell real estate in this area! There is such a vibrant scene of new businesses and fun things to do making Dripping a hot spot for people seeking adventure and a unique lifestyle. Call or email me today to get started! 512-569-8480 or laurenclark@magnoliarealty.com
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