Success Story: Sunshine Plant Co.

Sunshine Plant Co. is a bright, cozy plant shop in downtown Cheyenne, Wyoming. The shop’s interior is like a good friend’s living room– hip, classic, and welcoming. Specialty houseplants sit on bookcases and retro tables, and local products and gifts are around every corner.

Founders CylieAnn (Cylie) Erickson and Alexa Blooding launched Sunshine Plant Co. in 2022. Rather than having a wedding, they decided to start their dream business. “This shop is kind of like our child now,” said Alexa. Cylie’s background in greenhouse management and Alexa’s experience helping her mom launch her small business in her early 20s helped them gain the skills and drive necessary to build their own business venture. 

At the advice of Alexa’s mom, a long-time Wyoming Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Network client, they reached out to Wyoming SBDC Network Regional Director, John Privette. John provided advice on their business plan, and within five months, they grew their initial idea into a brick-and-mortar store. Cylie and Alexa opened Sunshine Plant Co. in October 2022. 

Since launching Sunshine Plant Co., Cylie and Alexa have received assistance with their Quickbooks software from Rob Condie, Regional Director and resident Quickbooks expert for the Wyoming SBDC Network. They also receive ongoing advising services from Christine Langley of the Wyoming Women’s Business Center and a Canva Pro subscription from the Community Navigator Pilot Program.

“The community welcomed us with open arms. They seemed excited to have something new to do in Cheyenne and somewhere warm to go during the winter months,” said Cylie. Business has been steady through the winter and spring months, and the founders look forward to seeing how the summer progresses.

Cylie and Alexa have built a stunning shop but continue to work hard to create a thriving community around their business. They host a Tipsy Tuesday plant and sip event at different breweries and bars around Cheyenne, a summer vendor market called the Sunshine Market, free plant swaps, and they are available for special events and parties.

At less than a year in business, the Sunshine Plant Co. founders have plans to grow their business beyond a physical retail shop. They are currently working through the process to trademark their name and logo and hope to expand into plant care services and online retailing.

To learn more about this rising small business, visit their Facebook Page or listen to the Wyoming SBDC Network Podcast episode featuring the founders. The Wyoming SBDC Network Podcast is available on Spotify, Google Podcasts, and Amazon Podcasts.