Today we’d like to introduce you to Renay Adams
Hi Renay, 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?
This journey commenced in late 2020, shortly after the COVID pandemic began, with a simple plant swap in Charleston, SC. I soon discovered that many local hobbyist plant growers lacked a physical venue to sell their plants, depending entirely on online platforms. Furthermore, the public appreciates the opportunity to meet vendors, choose plants in person, talk about plant care and make new like minded friends. We have fostered an extraordinary relationship with the community, focusing on supporting small plant and artisan plant-themed businesses. Our local breweries and local businesses also play a vital role by providing space for our fantastic local events! We are truly grateful for all their support.
All of our local markets have been strategically designed to promote The BIG Plant Expo, enhancing its visibility throughout the state and supporting the success of both our local and national vendors!
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
We are currently in the development phase still, and there always seems to be a hill or mountain to conquer.
Initially, I started as one of the plant sellers, concentrating on developing the market and connecting with more plant growers eager to become vendors. I also prioritized raising public awareness about our events to ensure these vendors found their efforts worthwhile. This process included getting vendors to obtain the necessary licenses from the state or city, as well as securing proper certification from the Clemson Division of Plant Industry. Our mission is to responsibly introduce rare and uncommon plants to the community while supporting local ethical plant sellers. After the 2023 market season, I transitioned away from selling plants to focus on enhancing the Markets by partnering with Racheal Taylor and commencing the expansion of our locations, with the end goal creating The BIG Plant Expo, to bring national attention to our local plant community. Enhancing not only our vendors but all of the Carolina’s economy!
Currently, organizing The BIG Plant Expo involves a careful balancing act of connecting with national plant sellers, influencers, and educators, while also attracting enough attendees to ensure financial viability for all participants. In 2025, we will promote The BIG Plant Expo at all our market events to enhance its visibility and ensure its success.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
We are an event planner, geared towards promoting ethical and local plant grower and sellers with a sprinkle of plant themed artisan vendors.
We specialize in bringing the plant community uncommon and rare plants that they wouldn’t be able to find easily in their local communities. While also supporting the local plant grower turned vendor.
We’re most proud of our involvement in building South and North Carolina’s plant community. It has been both inspiring and gratifying to witness hobbyist growers transform into established vendors, with some gaining national recognition through platforms like Facebook groups and specialized plant selling apps. Since then, I have been gradually expanding throughout the state, fostering a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere for local ethical plant growers and the community to appreciate.
We now have market locations in Charleston, Greenville, Lexington, and Murrells Inlet. Our markets have begun attracting more vendors from South and North Carolina, making this an enjoyable Southeast Rare Plant Market for everyone.
This past June, we celebrated our inaugural BIG Plant Expo, held at the South Carolina State Fairgrounds. This event brings together all our local market vendors, national plant sellers, influencers, and educators for a weekend of enjoyment for all plant enthusiasts throughout the Carolina’s This year it will be July 26 & 27, 2025 also held at the SC State Fairgrounds. This is an indoor event 40, 000 square feet of plants and AC!
What sort of changes are you expecting over the next 5-10 years?
The realm of plants is thriving and shows no signs of slowing down. Each year, more individuals are discovering the joy of collecting rare and unique plants. As accessibility increases, enthusiasts can easily find their desired specimens, and with a growing number of sellers and buyers in the market, prices are becoming increasingly affordable.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.serareplantmarket.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/serareplantmarket?igsh=MWJybTNwZWNnd2Nvag%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/17wRjoRvfi/?mibextid=LQQJ4d
