5 Minutes With … Robin Garrett
Robin Garrett is owner of Oopsy Daisy garden center and market in Denison, Texas.
What brought you into garden retail?
I got into garden retail after decades of other careers that, looking back now, all prepared me and led to the perfect culmination of all my interests and talents. Shopping, reinventing unexpected objects into something new, gardening for myself and (obviously!) curb appeal, organizing, designing, bookkeeping, time management and especially being my own boss all feed into the bazillion tasks it takes to own a successful home and garden store.
What do you love about your job?
My “job” is fun to me, so I really like all the parts that go into it. The finding, buying, caring for, displaying — all the behind-the-scenes hard work aspects that are necessary for the perfect customer experience — I enjoy all of that. But I think the final sale in a relaxed atmosphere and helping someone accomplish a desired look for their home is the part I love most. That and when they return again and again because they say they feel so welcomed and at ease once they are at our store.
If your career had gone in a different direction, what do you think you would have done?
Besides working outdoors, I truly thrive when I am remodeling (yes, construction!) or redecorating a home. If not garden retail, I can see having a career in interior design.
What’s something that few people know about you?
I’m pretty transparent, so what you see is what you get. But sometimes people are surprised to learn that although I chat it up and help customers all day, I am more of an introvert and cherish any quiet “me time” that I can get. Oh, and I speak Spanish.
Favorite plant to grow? Why?
My favorite plants to grow are any tropicals! They are easy and, because of their lushness, they make it feel like you are on an island vacation!
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