Meet Jess Najera | Plant Stylist & Plant Care Expert

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jess Najera and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jess, what role has risk played in your life or career?
I think every decision you make has the possibility to be a risk based solely on the unknown circumstances that come with each decision. For myself personally, taking risks is the only thing that has gotten me where I am today. My biggest risk also came with my biggest reward when I decided to pack up all my things in 2019 and move from Texas to Arizona- a new state that I didn’t know, to live with people I didn’t know. It was a huge step leaving home for the first time, but it contributed greatly to who I am today. That one risk led me to all the people and places that I needed to help me grow into the best version of myself. I found the most incredible place to live, the healthiest place to work, surrounded myself with the greatest friends I’ve ever had, met the most supportive man, and took the risk of starting my own business, AZ Plant Mama. If there is one piece of advice I could give to someone, it would be “take the risk” because it’s worth it.

What should our readers know about your business?
AZ Plant Mama is one of the most exciting things I’ve ever pursued! I offer plant styling services to the Phoenix Metro area as a local, one-man show. I grew in my interest in plants when I was at my lowest point in life, mentally and emotionally. I couldn’t take care of myself, so I began taking care of plants, and I felt like I really found my purpose and found something I was good at. What sets AZ Plant Mama apart from other businesses is the fact that it is a service hardly heard of, let alone offered in Arizona. My business started from a place of passion for mental health advocacy, on top of the opinion that spaces look prettier with plants. I work at an interior design company + retail shop, so for me, interior design and plants go hand in hand. It was no surprise to everyone around me when I created my business because I was already known as “the plant girl” which made it that much easier for me to dive right in. I offered plant care and advice long before I had a business name, so others can attest that I am not my business, but my business is me! AZ Plant Mama is still in the early days, so I’m constantly growing and learning how to perfect my craft, find clients, and keep the happiness spreading throughout homes through the work of plants. I think starting any business from scratch is a challenge, but it’s especially challenging finding clients or people to support my business because this isn’t a service that most people know about, so they aren’t really looking for me yet. I’m trying to get my name and services out there, which is why I’m especially excited to be taking this opportunity with Shoutout Arizona to share my story!

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I think it’s a no-brainer that I would most definitely take my best friend to all of my favorite plants stores. I’m still trying to get my green thumb to rub off on her, so visiting The Plant Stand of Arizona would definitely be a start. I’d talk my way into visiting Pueblo, Whitfil Nursery, and Gilbert Green House as well.

My best friend and I are both big fans of brunch, so we’d probably find a new spot each day, including Snooze, Breakfast Bitch, Breakfast Club, Kokobelli Bagel Cafe, and First Watch.
The only thing better than breakfast, is coffee… I’d take her to Mythical Coffee, Sweetz Cold Brew, Spce Coffee, Cartel, and Press.

Our favorite activities to do together would be taking a beginners pottery class at Pip Coffee + Clay, making our own personalized candles at Candle Chemistry, having a picnic at Tempe Town Lake, and going to OdySea Aquarium. We’d go shopping and spend way too much money at Scottsdale Fashion Square, THELIFESTYLEDCO (she knows an employee there…. it’s me), and go thrifting at Buffalo Exchange.

I’d take her to my favorite dinner spots, like Postino’s Wine Cafe, Liberty Market, Tacos Chiwas, and Bluewater Grille… if we’re being honest, we’d probably go to Postino’s more than once, they really get you with that Board & Bottle night!
Last stop each day would obviously be ice cream! I’m a regular at Honeymee, but I’d also take her to Petersen’s Ice Cream and Cafe, Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream, and Novel Ice Cream.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I want to dedicate this shoutout to everyone in my life that has contributed to the person I am today. To my parents, thank you for supporting me in every crazy idea I’ve had. To my sister Julie, thank you for believing in me and not only seeing the best in me, but also doing everything you can to pull it out of me. To Lex, thank you for being the best. You are the greatest support system that has ever chosen me. To Bradley, thank you for supporting me and encouraging me daily. To Alyx and Stacy, thank you for encouraging me to take the chance at starting my own business, and supporting me so much through the process of finding my footing. You all are the best parts of me. Everything you do for me does not go unnoticed. I could not and would not do any of this without you all. I love you guys dearly.

Instagram: @azplantmama

Image Credits
Alyx Hydrick