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

Hi April, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
Honestly, starting a business wasn’t something we had planned. It all began with a plant hobby that completely got out of hand. We were just genuinely obsessed with growing, collecting, and learning everything we could about plants, especially Hoyas. Then the world changed unexpectedly, and like many others, we found ourselves at a crossroads. That shift gave us the push we needed to take a leap of faith and turn something we loved into something bigger. What started as a way to stay grounded and inspired eventually became a full-blown journey into building a plant business and community. It has been wild, but so worth it.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I don’t think what we’ve created is something so rare that no one else could do it. If someone has the heart and passion, they could absolutely build something like this or even grow something better. What truly sets us apart is how much care and love we put into what we do.

We always try to put ourselves in the shoes of our supporters. What kind of experience would we want if we were on the receiving end? Plants grow, and that simple truth gives us an extra reason to care for the people who support us. If someone receives something that doesn’t meet their expectations, it’s easy for us to give, to share, and to be understanding. That kind of empathy is at the core of everything we do.

We got to where we are today because of the incredible support from our family and friends. From lending us the money we needed to concrete our very first greenhouse, even though they didn’t have much to give themselves, to building it with us after long workdays, and staying up late to help finish packing orders, they have truly been there through it all. There were a lot of challenges we didn’t see coming, but with that kind of support, we felt like we could handle anything.

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is how to truly value our time, our effort, and the process behind what we offer. It’s not just about product quality or customer service. It’s about understanding the full picture of what goes into each order. We want our customers to have the best experience possible, but we also want to take care of ourselves, our team, and our families.

That’s why we don’t participate in the race-to-the-bottom pricing mentality. We believe in the true value of what we’re doing at Unsolicited Plant Talks. It’s not just about plants. It’s about people.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
We’re in a small agricultural area, so while there isn’t a ton going on right here, we’re lucky to be just an hour away from some of Southern California’s best spots. If my best friend were visiting, we’d mix in a little of everything, from a day exploring Joshua Tree National Park to a relaxing beach day in Laguna or Newport. We’d definitely make time for a trip to Big Bear too, especially if the weather is nice for a hike or a cozy day in the mountains.

We’d also spend a day in Los Angeles, checking out plant shops, grabbing lunch at Grand Central Market, and maybe ending the night with a rooftop drink or a comedy show. But honestly, because we are a specialized nursery and a very curated one, you’re coming to Yucaipa because you want to spend time in our greenhouses.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My family, without question. Especially my mom. She gave everything she could to make sure I had the kind of life she never had, and that has always stayed with me. A lot of the motivation behind what I do is rooted in wanting to give back to her, to honor all the sacrifices she made. And honestly, being able to work alongside my family and build something that keeps us close has been one of the most meaningful parts of this journey. Their support, love, and belief in me means everything.

Website: https://www.UnsolicitedPlantTalks.com

Instagram: @unsolicited.plant.talks

Facebook: /UnsolicitedPlantTalks

Youtube: @unsolicitedplanttalks

Other: https://www.OvergrownOasis.com

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