Meet Zac Elam & Cougan Hobbs | Founders & Designers

We had the good fortune of connecting with Zac Elam & Cougan Hobbs and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Zac Elam & Cougan Hobbs, what is the most important factor behind your success?
We began our business knowing that we wanted to be business owners – just not sure what that exactly looked like. We helped other brands with product photography and marketing for several years. Something was missing as it felt like we would spend all our time promoting someone else’s dream. Little did we know the universe was about to give us all the time in the world to develop our growing (pun intended) eco friendly planter collection. Early 2020 when the lockdowns began – we both lost our jobs. We had dabbled with 3D printing our own propagation stations and planters as a hobby. Now with a chance to be independent we ran full speed ahead. Figuring out how to maintain a growing 3D printer farm while also attending as many markets and craft fairs as possible became a full time job. Our pitch is unique & sustainable planters and home decor made from upcycled corn waste.

We are partners in business and life. This provides the unique challenge to be able to live out our shared dream.
Each small success and lesson learned is split between the two of us. Each design is tossed back and forth for sometimes weeks before we are really happy with launching a new item or collection. The encouragement and affection we’ve garnered from our expanding network of 800 brand partners, coupled with more than 12,000 sales both in-person and online, are the driving forces behind our endeavors.

The cornerstone of our brand’s success isn’t just a unique selling point—it’s a commitment, a commitment to understanding and fulfilling the needs of our customers with an unwavering dedication to excellence. When we first planted the seeds of our business at local markets and events, we were not just selling plant care products; we were learning, listening to the stories and preferences of our customers. This invaluable feedback has been the compost enriching our growth.

Our journey from a small stall to the shelves of diverse retailers is a narrative of genuine care. Each eco-friendly, plant-based 3D printed piece we create carries this narrative forward. Our dialogue with wholesale partners, from boutique plant stores to gift shops and hardware stores, ensures that this essence is not lost in transaction but is instead conveyed in every product displayed and every purchase made.
Engagement with our community has evolved beyond traditional methods. We now harness the vibrancy of TikTok, connecting with hundreds of enthusiasts, sharing tips, and often indulging in a bit of green-thumbed humor. This platform has allowed us to instantly showcase our latest innovations, receive real-time feedback, and create a flourishing online ecosystem.

In the end, the most important factor behind our brand’s success is the trust that our customers and partners place in us—a trust that we earn by showing that their wants and needs are at the forefront of every decision we make. We are deeply thankful for this trust, as it has allowed us to grow, adapt, and thrive in a competitive market. It’s a trust we intend to keep nurturing, just like the plants that inspired our beginning.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
We began our business knowing that we wanted to be business owners – just not sure what that exactly looked like. We helped other brands with product photography and marketing for several years. Something was missing as it felt like we would spend all our time promoting someone else’s dream. Little did we know the universe was about to give us all the time in the world to develop our growing (pun intended) eco friendly planter collection. Early 2020 when the lockdowns began – we both lost our jobs. We had dabbled with 3D printing our own propagation stations and planters as a hobby. Now with a chance to be independent we ran full speed ahead. Figuring out how to maintain a growing 3D printer farm while also attending as many markets and craft fairs as possible became a full time job. Our pitch is unique & sustainable planters and home decor made from upcycled corn waste.

We are partners in business and life. This provides the unique challenge to be able to live out our shared dream.
Each small success and lesson learned is split between the two of us. Each design is tossed back and forth for sometimes weeks before we are really happy with launching a new item or collection. The encouragement and affection we’ve garnered from our expanding network of 800 brand partners, coupled with more than 12,000 sales both in-person and online, are the driving forces behind our endeavors.

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 have lived all over Southern California. So much to love about each area. Currently Long Beach is home. Definitely the most frequented restaurant would be Thai District on Broadway. This year the goal is to try a new dish each time and step outside of our Pad Thai addiction. If you want an easy and beautiful day – rent a bike and take the bike path from one side of Long Beach all the way across the new Bixby bridge that has views over the port.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
We wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for our moms. We haven’t always seen eye to eye – but the love and support is unrelenting.

Website: www.poweredyrosebud.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/poweredbyrosebud

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Other: https://www.faire.com/direct/rosebudhomegoods