Two existential lessons from my houseplants

Happy Friday everyone, how was your first full week of summer? It’s your friend Kat, al la kat&co.

As I’m sitting down to write this week’s newsletter, one of the things on my to do list is “water plants.” Not a small feat when you have 20+ of them. And, now that I’m thinking about it, there are a couple that need a little more tending to than just water (looking at you Mr. Monstera) 🌿

All that to say, my humble houseplants have definitely provided some valuable lessons over the years… But, I think the following are my favorites that can be applied to your green thumb, personal life, and (yes, of course) your business:

Lesson 1: Sometimes you have to allow time for a part of you (or your plant, or your business) to evolve or “die” to promote new growth.

AH the dreaded yellow leaf... So horrid and un-aesthetic. But, unless your plant is suffering from a more serious condition or stress, this can be a good sign!

“Plants often reallocate nutrients from older leaves to newer growth as they age. This can cause the older leaves to turn yellow and eventually fall off. Don't remove healthy-looking yellow leaves. Allow the plant to complete the nutrient reabsorption process!”

I’ve learned this the hard way - removing a yellow leaf before the plant absorbed what was needed, and lo and behold, it just went ahead and took what it needed from the next one.

I love that this paints a metaphorical picture of growth - literally… But as we evolve, and our businesses evolve, older parts (systems, programs, services…) may become obsolete. Instead of holding onto them, we can take what we need and use the knowledge to grow upwards. Cheesy, I know, but it’s true!!

Lesson 2: When in need of inspiration, look closer…

Ever stare at your plants (in a non-creepy way)? Me too.

But what about the structure of their leaves? Take my fiddle leaf fig (Frank) as an example:

From far away, it’s a plant… organic shaped leaves, solid bark stem... But up close, you’ll see that the structure of the leaves are so intricately organized… for me it looks like any city map across our country: highways, city streets, neighborhood roads, and rows of houses. Talk about WOAH.

The ability to view a situation both through a holistic “mile high” view, and an up-close lens, provides clarity towards the interconnectedness of our world. Using this curiosity in your business will only benefit the structure and adaptability of your services.

OK, KAT - BACK TO REALITY 😅

Reflection: Have you recognized any themes of evolution and growth in your business or personal life recently? What situations in your business have you found helpful to evaluate from at both ends of the spectrum, close up and far away? When is the last time you treated yourself to a new houseplant? Should you stop what you’re doing and go buy one now? 🍷

And now, I’d like to celebrate a small personal milestone -

I have officially been writing this newsletter every week for 3 months!

Lots and lots of learning lessons. And lots and lots of gratitude for this community we are building, the support that I’ve received, and the value we bring to each other’s continued growth.

I would love to use this opportunity to hear from you, dear reader by introducing my first Ask Me Anything Survey (AMA)!

Over the next week, use the button below to send me a question for me to answer in future newsletter issues. And when I say anything, I mean it! Drop your burning questions about creative entrepreneurship, business operations, or my personal journey below. Can’t wait to read + respond!

Interested in working together or want to schedule time to chat?

I am truly excited to be building community around creative small businesses, entrepreneurship, and authenticity.

Until next time - We got this! 🖤

Love from your friend,

Kat