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

Hi Jennifer, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I wanted to work outside with the plants, to interact with the earth and watch the wonders of the ecosystems around. I don’t think I ever thought I would own my own business, but I knew I wanted to pour into this passion that fed my soul. I kept getting closed doors as I applied to local companies after our move to southeast Michigan from Traverse City. So one day, I just got the wild idea to just do it myself. I opened a Facebook page, started advertising and offering my services to the neighborhood. After 1 year, I quit my part time job because I had so much business I couldn’t keep up.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I started out My Thyme Gardens as a maintenance, design, and installation company with a focus on perennials for pollinators. That focus has shifted a bit as we have grown. Now I am offering garden coaching (education), design, and business consulting while I am working on some exciting writing projects. Some of the challenges we experienced were also some of our greatest joys. Hiring and managing a team can be challenging and I know I learned a lot about leadership, myself and how to show up in a more healed space. Lots of self reflection, work, and wonderful friendships made along the way.
My Thyme Gardens has shifted its focus from the production model to the support and education space. I love gardening so much and it is such a healing space for me that I want to be able to share this joy with others.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
We would visit Oudolf Garden Detroit for sure! I love this garden and we are so lucky to have this out our back door on Belle Isle. I am excited for the renovation the city of Detroit is experiencing and I love that this garden is another representation of that growth and renewal. There are so many great little pockets down around this area, so definitely food would be involved in the days adventure too.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I want to give a shout out to Cori Oakley of The Mossy Tree. She is my mentor and friend. My Thyme Gardens was a very similar company to hers after I worked for her for 5 years, when I moved away, My Thyme Gardens was born and reflected a lot of the same methods and mindsets of The Mossy Tree. Cori’s giving , nurturing nature has been an important part of the success of My Thyme Gardens

Website: https://mythymegardens.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mythymegardens?igsh=ZWlwd21ldXE1NGVk&utm_source=qr

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/QoM6wGyDNbJZ2BKB/?mibextid=ibOpuV

Image Credits
Lillian Lindman

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