In conversation with Mississauga’s Maria Munoz Castillo, entrepreneur and owner of Planted Souls.

1. Where did you get the inspiration to start Planted Souls?
It came from an intense passion for plants, followed by another intense passion for shopping for the perfect planters. My goal for Planted Souls was to create a one stop shopping experience for fellow plant enthusiasts where they could find a variety of carefully curated houseplants, planters, plant themed accessories, home decorations, and anything that a plant lover would be interested in.

2. Describe Planted Souls in six or less words.
Unique one stop plant shop.

3. What's been the biggest reward being an entrepreneur?
Seeing an idea come together and grow into something that is being well received by those in the community.

4. How will the $10,000 grant help move you forward?
The $10,000 RBC Start-Up award will help kick start my business by allowing me to execute different marketing strategies. Being able to amplify Planted Soul’s marketing campaigns will allow my business to reach a larger audience and as a result share the Planted Souls experience with more individuals.

5. Did you ever think you'd become an entrepreneur?
I have always had the vision of opening a shop where I could share my favourite finds with others. I always knew I had a great idea but it would be years before I could afford to start it! Thanks to Futurepreneur and the RBC Start-up awards I was able to make this dream a reality sooner than I ever imagined.

6. What's been the most impactful lesson you've learned professionally?
Slow down and take it one step at a time.
Focusing on the big picture can get overwhelming very quickly. I have learned to focus on the small steps.

7. What advice would you give to someone who wants to start growing plants but has no experience?
Start with a plant that is easy to care for and take the time to learn about it, think about it’s natural habitat and how you can recreate it at home. Enjoy the process. If you don’t succeed, don’t give up, just try again!

8. What does the next 18 months look like?
We will be opening our storefront in Port Credit on August 7th. This will be my first year running my business so it will be a steep learning curve for me as a new entrepreneur. Along with all the learning I hope to be able to grow my team and create a fun shopping experience that customers will enjoy and keep coming back to.

9. What succinct advice do you have for up and coming entrepreneurs?
Don’t be to not be afraid to ask questions and look for help! I have come across so many individuals who were eager to guide me in the right direction. I really believe asking questions is what allowed to me learn so much and discover about all the resources that are available to help new entrepreneurs succeed.

10. What's your favourite plant?
The plant that started this whole journey for me, the pilea. Before bringing this plant home I was convinced that I could not successfully care for plants. One day I just decided to go for it and bought a Pilea. Seeing that this plant was not only staying alive but also got the cutest little plant babies, an obsession ensued! They are rewarding plants because of all the other little plants that come out of it. I have loved sharing all of these little pilea babies with those around me.

plantedsouls.com