Profile
Turning a hobby into a successful niche business
Stephanie Selig’s small steps made a BIG difference
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andscape companies come in all sizes and specialties. One often overlooked segment is that of the one-person business which serves a niche market. Stephanie Selig of Fort Collins represents that latter model. Her professional career in the green industry was borne out of a lifelong hobby. She grew up in a family that kept a large garden and greenhouse, and it instilled in her a love of plants. After years as a stay-at-home parent, when her children started school, she decided to turn her hobby into a small business. That company, Patio Plants Unlimited, specialized in container gardening and small gardens. She also can create an outdoor room on a patio, deck or balcony.
Happily for Selig, with experience she has learned her worth and grown her business.
Stephanie Selig 24
www.alcc.com
In 2006, she began with about five clients, though notes that “when you are just getting your business started, you are practically giving yourself away.� Many of her clients are older adults who want a beautiful garden but may no longer be able to do the physical labor required to maintain it. Happily for Selig, with experience she has learned her worth and grown her business. Selig now manages about three dozen recurring clients with maintenance services.
Upgrade knowledge and skills using multiple resources
After a few years in business, Selig realized that pursuing formal education related to her work could provide validation of her qualifications. She had hands-on experience and satisfied clients but understood that having a degree would demonstrate to prospective
Photos courtesy Stephanie Selig
By Cherie Courtade
