Faun Donald and Luke Trusnovec really love plants. No – they really, really love plants. She literally grew up in the horticulture industry, working since age 17 in flower shops, greenhouses, nurseries, garden centers and interior plantscaping. He, a veteran, had a passion for translating their green thumbs to retail.

Fast forward to Neva Lee’s, the small plant shop they own together, where the couple offers plant services, consultation, education and potting, not to mention handmade pots and accessories for all things plant-related. In addition, they’ve recently broadened the mix to include classes and workshops with printmaking and metal-working artists.

“Once we got the idea for the store, it happened fast. We were a small starting out, but once introduced to Michigan SBDC consultant Millie Chu and its online webinars we learned things we didn’t know about running a small business,” said Donald. Chu helped them write their business plan, focus on immediate goals, develop a branding kit, implement accounting software and get their website up and running.

“We knew what we wanted to do. The MI-SBDC at Lansing Community College got us connected with partners such as the Lansing Economic Area Partnership (LEAP)’s One and All program and Downtown Lansing Inc., which turned into grant funding,” added Trusnovec.

In addition to a recent expansion, the couple’s measure of success is repeat customers and word of mouth referrals, including customers who travel from out of state.

“If we can do it, anyone can do it. We appreciate the MI-SBDC and their passion, and the fact that they are no-cost, with all the guidance in one place, makes them even more invaluable,” concluded Donald.

Learn more about Neva Lee’s here.