If you’re anything like me, you’re a SUCCA for succulents, and you’ll love today’s featured maker! Lupita is the founder of Pita’s Planters, a fun and eco-friendly brand of handmade concrete planters. We’re in love with the colorful planters, geode planters, and– of course– can never say no to a good pun! We can’t wait to share Lupita’s story and brand with you today, so let’s dig in!
Hi Lupita! Thanks for sharing your story with us today! Can you please tell us a little about yourself?
Hello there! My name is Lupita, and I was born in Houston, TX but spent the first 12 years of my life growing up in Guatemala. Since moving to the U.S., my long-time dream has been to become a neuroscientist and an entrepreneur–because in addition to plants, I also LOVE science! I am currently a graduate student by day, and a small-business owner by night. I feel very grateful that I can work on two of my biggest dreams, and get to meet so many amazing people from my community along the way! 🙂
Wow! What an amazing story of pursuing your dreams– we’re cheering you on as you reach your goals! Who inspires you?
My biggest inspiration are my two mothers. My biological mother–Mama Alma, immigrated to the U.S. at a young age, to provide for my sisters and I, and to give us a better life. My non-biological mother, mama Auri, raised me in Guatemala during the first 12 years of my life. Both of these amazing women have worked day and night to provide for me and to give me a better future. Because of them, I am now able to go after my biggest dreams, and I hope to make them proud!
They sound like incredible women! Tell us about your business! What do you make and how long have you been doing it?
My business is called “Pita’s Planters”, and I sell my handmade concrete planters as well as houseplants and other plant-themed items. When my little sister was younger, she nicknamed me “Pita” because she couldn’t pronounce my full name “Lupita”. Since then, my whole family started calling me Pita and it also became my business name! 🙂
I started my small business about two years ago, when I was struggling with anxiety–I love to be open about this, and consider myself a big advocate for mental health. I was going through a difficult time in my life, but taking care of plants and creating planters brought so much joy and peace during this time. I wanted to share my newfound love with the world, and I decided to do this by opening my own small business. I feel so grateful for all the amazing people who have readily supported my small business — thanks to all the amazing support, my little dream has grown into my own mobile plant shop!
What a beautiful way to create peace within yourself and others! What are you most proud of?
I am very proud of creating a “mindful” small business. To me, being an entrepreneur is not just about earning money or making a living — it’s so much more than that. It’s about advocating for the things that we are passionate about, and creating a better community. At Pita’s Planters, we are passionate about environmental and mental health. And we have taken steps to be as eco-friendly as possible in every aspect of our small business — from the way we make our products, package them, to the way that we built our mobile store. I have created many items that incorporate recycled materials (such as glass bottles and CDs), as well as raw natural materials such as crystals and preserved flowers. When we built our store, we also ensured to use recycled wood for the shelves, and did you know that it’s powered by renewable energy too?! We installed solar panels on the roof to power our store (now this is something that I am suuuuper proud of because it was a PAIN to figure out haha).
You have been so thoughtful through every step of your business! What is your favorite part of your job?
It’s a tie between the creative process and talking to my customers! I love constantly thinking about new ideas and new products, but I also LOVE when I get to meet my customers and we nerd out about plants. Haha
Sounds like you’ve found the perfect balance! What’s the most recent show you binge-watched?
Schitt’s Creek…and I’m OBSESSED. 🙂
Love, love, love Schitt’s Creek! And we are OBSESSED with YOU! We’re so glad you’re a maker at Mosiac Makers Collective!
Want to learn more about our makers or shop Pita's Planters? Check out these additional resources:
- Visit our shop in the Bishop Arts District
- Meet more of our Mosaic Makers on the Blog