The Art of Entrepreneurship blog provides a support network and learning environment for small business owners and those working to start a business.  Here we learn from each other by sharing stories about our real world experiences.  This month's guest blogger, Nickey Mullen, owner of Mullen Botanica, talks about her dream of moving from part-time to full-time business owner.  Thanks for sharing, Nickey.

By Nickey Mullen, owner
     Mullen Botanica



I have owned and managed Mullen Botanica, a part-time gardening business, for 9 years.
I have a Bachelors Degree in Horticulture and Environmental Education and have worked in horticulture professionally since I was 17.   My specialty is horticultural designs and estate garden maintenance.  I am also employed full time in healthcare as a psychologist.  My gardening business is my therapy while I provide counsel to others.

I attended the CWE business planning program in 2010 and started imagining the possibility of transitioning from my job to operating my business full-time.  In the program I wrote a plan for growing Mullen Botanica – gaining more customers, hiring employees, making it a full-time venture.  

My business plan has kept me on track for creating a profitable business.  I completed the Midas matching funds saving program; bought office supplies; bought a computer, printer and camera to use in garden photography.   I also bought my domain name; had beautiful business cards designed and a web site designed, which I am now working to put on line.  I will blog to educate people about horticulture through pictures and text.  There is not enough nature and beauty in our days....so this is part of my mission.

During these difficult economic times, I look for ways to stretch a dollar to make sure I can continue working in the business I love. But I also value my full time work for the stability it provides. It allows me to support myself, particularly during the long winter months in New England.

Now during this busy spring planting season I will continue to do research in how and when to expand further. My business plan is a cookbook to grow and unfold my dreams. But it is a delicate balancing act since I am a single woman who is self-supporting.  I'm excited and inspired. Stay tuned.

A Mullen Botanica Design