Discovering the Power of Affirmations: Connecting Plants, Purpose, and Meaning

At PLANT THIS, my goal isn’t to simply create beautiful products;

it’s about creating meaning by connecting with people. That’s why we've given every product in the shop and on the website an affirmation, such as "I Am Joy" or "I Am Hope."

Affirmations are powerful tools for shaping how we see ourselves and the world. When someone chooses an arrangement called "I Am Joy" for a birthday or "I Am Hope" for the holidays, they’re not just buying a product; they’re sharing an intention. These names represent the energy we put into each design.

Every time we design a product, we consider a specific affirmation it might embodies. We think about how the colors, shapes, and textures will communicate that feeling. We want customers to see more than a plant or arrangement— we want them to see the message it carries and to feel it resonate in their lives or the lives of those they gift it to.

Running a business isn’t new to me, but building one around artistic expression and spirituality is a completely different experience. In my hospital days, I focused on creating systems that worked: putting the right people in the right roles, ensuring patients got the best care, and letting financial success follow naturally.

That philosophy still applies. My focus is on crafting a brand that feels authentic and unique—one that reflects who I am and what I care about. I’m not just selling plants; I’m creating pieces that invite people to pause, reflect, and connect with themselves or others. Yes, finances matter, and I work hard to be a good steward of my customers’ trust and resources, but the heart of my business is connection.

As I write this, I’ll admit that it’s not always easy to align my actions with my aspirations. I’m a work in progress, and I don’t always get it right. But I’m trying. More than anything, I want to live with intention—to create not just a business, but a life that feels meaningful. That’s why I’m extending this challenge to you: Take a moment to ask yourself, Am I doing what I’m meant to do? Is there something you’re passionate about—something you could turn into a business, even as a side hustle? Are you living a life that feels aligned with your purpose?

In the timeless holiday classic film, It's a Wonderful Life, there's a sign hanging o the wall of George Bailey's Building and Loan. It reads: "We can only take with us what we give away"

Life is short, and we can’t take our possessions with us. But we can leave behind meaning. We all have talents and gifts that can make a difference. My hope is that my shop inspires people to find joy, hope, love, or whatever it is they need to connect with in their lives.

I hope one of my affirmations finds a place in your journey—whether in your home, your office, or your heart.