A HOUSEPLANT START-UP GROWS

by Susan Kehl

Most of us love the idea of bringing the outdoors in, and enjoying the beauty and health benefits of indoor plants. But let’s face it. Some of us are born with a green thumb, and some…not so much. Heather O’Donovan, a previous Lambent assistant and founder and CEO of Hortihop, says that’s a mindset she is striving to change.

“A lot of people buy a plant because they think it’s pretty, but despite their best efforts, the plant dies and they assume they must have a black thumb,” she said. “But in reality, that’s not the case – they just haven’t done the research to know which plants will thrive in their space.”

Hortihop is a Manhattan-based business that’s helping its clients flourish and bloom. In addition to helping you choose plants that will thrive in your particular space, Hortihop digs deeper to ensure the perfect match that’s affordable, convenient, and will make you look and feel like you might just have a green thumb after all.

The process starts with an online plant quiz which asks about your budget, home environment, style preferences, and how much you want to care for your plants. Next, you’re asked to email a few pictures of your space. That’s when the magic happens. Your personal Hortihop horticulturist works with you to choose the best-fit plants for you and your space, delivers them, and designs your indoor oasis.

“Our horticulturists will choose plants that will not only thrive in your space, but will also complement and enhance your interior design,” Heather said. “We also teach you how to properly care for your plants and offer customized levels of ongoing support. If you’d like, we can even come to your home to water and care for your plants for you so you won’t have to worry about them at all.”

Hortihop’s ongoing support services include options like plant sitting while you’re away, and answering questions if you want to nurture your plants yourself. For $6 per month, Hortihop Community members receive additional support as well as discounts on services and invitations to special events. And if your aloe is ailing, you can even reach out to Hortihop’s “Help, It’s Dying!” email hotline.

Although similar services are typically offered at higher price points, Heather believes that plant ownership shouldn’t be cost-prohibitive. With prices for design starting at $59 per room, Hortihop’s goal is to make plant ownership affordable, accessible, and sustainable for anyone. And because Heather believes in supporting local businesses, she partners with local vendors.

“All of our plants are local – we want the community to know about and patronize the plant shops in their neighborhood,” she said. “And Hortihop makes the entire process simple. We alleviate the initial hurdles of becoming a plant owner by matching you with the perfect plants for your space, bringing them to you, and providing ongoing support – without you even having to leave your sofa.”

Hortihop Takes Root

Heather says Hortihop germinated from an idea she had while watering her indoor plants shortly after the pandemic struck. She was about to complete her master’s degree in opera performance at the Manhattan School of Music, when suddenly, auditions and performances ceased. Heather was looking for something to bridge the gap – something that brought her joy. At the time, the idea to create a plant-related service was just a passing thought. Heather didn’t feel confident that she had the skills and experience required to launch her own business; she wasn’t ready. But the seed was planted.  

Meanwhile, Heather began working for Lambent, where she was selected as the Executive Assistant for the CEO of a successful consulting firm. As time passed, her idea began to take root.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        

“The idea kept popping back up, and each time I shaped and refined it a bit more,” she said. “Working for Lambent as an executive assistant immersed me in all aspects of business including HR, management, and so much more. It taught me about adaptability and the value of building your community and making new connections. I couldn’t have started this business without the invaluable skills I gained through Lambent.”

Heather used those skills to fully develop her idea and create a business plan. Part of the fun, she said, was coming up with the name and accompanying logo.

“Hortihop is a play on the word ‘bellhop,’ she said. “A bellhop excels in making recommendations that suit you, connecting you with what you need, and delivering it to you. Think of Hortihop as your professional bellhop for all things plants.”

Business is Blooming

Hortihop initially launched in Manhattan, and now also serves clients in Brooklyn, Queens, and the Bronx.

“Being a plant parent can be intimidating, but at Hortihop, we want to change the narrative,” she said. “We want people to realize that they don’t have black thumbs and that they can care for plants. They can have beautiful plants thriving in their space – and Hortihop will help them achieve that goal.”

Is your business thriving and growing – perhaps branching out? A part-time personal assistant can help make your business bloom – and make your life easier. Lambent specializes in matching high-caliber part-time personal and executive assistants with clients who need help managing their busy lives. We’ve helped thousands of satisfied clients achieve their professional, personal, and household goals – and we can help you. Contact us today for a free consultation.