-the little Plant Shop owner talks about her growth, unique offerings
ENTREPRENEURS are often praised for their authenticity. They bring unique business ideas to life, creating concepts and products that catch the eyes of customers. They are resilient, and their work speaks volumes about them as professionals in their respective areas.
Meet local entrepreneur, Rebekah Shivlall, the owner of The Little Plant Shop, a gardening store that has been in operation for the last five years. The Little Plant Shop is located at 152 Barr Street. Kitty, Georgetown, and offers plants, pots, and other gardening essentials to bring customers’ green spaces to life.
Shivlall grew up on the Essequibo Coast, where for her, life was simple and deeply rooted in family, community, and hard work.
The entrepreneur said that her early years shaped who she is today and provided her with a strong sense of resilience and appreciation for the little things in life.
“About nine years ago, I moved to Georgetown in search of growth and new opportunities. It wasn’t always easy, but it helped me become more independent and pushed me out of my comfort zone,” Shivlall said, “Over time, I’ve worked in different places, and each experience taught me something and helped me grow.”
The young woman said she is “very proud to be Guyanese”, noting that everything she does is rooted in where she came from.
This authenticity is something she carries with her in how she works, treats people, and how she has built her business.
She credits this trait to her father who is a farmer. Reflecting, Shivlall mentioned that growing up in the Essequibo, being around plants was just a part of everyday life for her.
What felt normal at that time, became something she loved as she grew older. “I began planting on my own, doing little cuttings and growing from seeds, and little by little, it became something more,” Shivlall said.
Along the way, the young woman had the support of her partner, which means a lot to her. She related that having someone who believed in her and what she was building gave her the confidence to keep pursuing that path, even when she wasn’t sure where it would lead.
She said, “It also means a lot to me to build something here in Guyana, using what I grew up around and turning it into something meaningful. I didn’t start with a big plan—it just grew naturally, and I trusted the process and followed it.”
A WHOLISTIC EXPERIENCE
The Little Plant Shop has, over the years, grown into what it is today; a business that is about more than simply buying a plant. It is about the whole experience.
“When people come in, it’s very relaxed. They can take their time, ask questions, and just feel comfortable. It’s not one of those places where you feel rushed,” Shivlall said.
Staying true to authenticity, she said that The Little Plant Shop welcomes customers who may have a plant that is not doing well. These persons can take their plant to the Shop, and they will look it after, even if they didn’t purchase that plant from there. This gesture, she said, makes her feel more open and helpful.
According to Shivlall, “At the end of the day, it’s just a very simple, welcoming space, and I think that’s what people really connect with.”
The Little Plant Shop is designed to be welcoming, whether someone is just starting out or already has a love for plants.
In addition to this, Shivlall revealed that they create floral bouquets using fresh, real flowers, and every arrangement is done by her.
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Shivlall remarked, “I pay close attention to how each bouquet is put together because I know many of them are for special moments—birthdays, gifts, or just to make someone feel appreciated. And yes, we do delivery around Georgetown, and we also try our best to assist with deliveries to other areas once arrangements are made.”
Some of the plants in the Plant Shop are grown by the business owner, and others are carefully sourced for customers to have a wider range to choose from. The entrepreneur said she tries to ensure there is something for everyone– from small starter plants to more established ones.
At the moment, the plant shop has a small team of two, and they work closely together to keep the business running. Business she said, has been growing.
While grateful for the growth, she said there are challenges, especially as it relates to keeping stock and handling busy periods.
Shivlall has learned to adjust, stay consistent, and keep going. The young businesswoman said that one thing that she has learned is that consistency is everything.
“Also, how you treat your customers really matters. When people feel comfortable and cared for, they come back—and they trust you,” she said, and encouraged other entrepreneurs to start with what they have.
She urged, “don’t wait for everything to be perfect. Be patient with yourself, because growth takes time. There will be hard days, but once you stay consistent and believe in what you’re doing, it will come together; and don’t be afraid to build something right here at home. There’s so much potential in Guyana, and you can create something meaningful from what you already have around you.”
The Little Plant Shop can be found on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok: thelittleplantshopgy. They can also be contacted on WhatsApp: +592 673-4697 or +592 687-5740.
