We had the good fortune of connecting with Erica Parker and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Erica, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
The Southeast Plant Show really came about by accident. I started hosting plant swaps just prior to COVID. About 15-20 of us would get together, swap plants, and just hang out. In early 2021 when everyone was ready to start heading out again, but not ready to be INSIDE, they asked me to start the swaps up again. We started at Sims Lake Park in Suwanee. The swaps grew until we were too big for the park. So I found Sugar Hill Distillery and partnered with them.
Throughout this time I became part of a team, we call ourselves Plant Friends Atlanta and they became my sounding board and my rock.
As the sales became bigger and more popular and I started traveling to larger shows I realized that I could make Atlanta a hot spot for the Plant community! So, The Southeast Plant Show became a dream in 2022 and a reality in 2023!

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
The plant shows are still mostly a hobby. In my daily life, I’m a 4th grade teacher in Gwinnett County. My teammates are huge supporters and many of them have come to my shows to see what I’m up to on my crazy weekends.

I also teach swim lessons at Gwinnett Swim in Buford. Swimming is a life long passion and, in my opinion, one of the most important life skills. We are born to be in the water! Everyone should learn water safety and be comfortable in the water.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
You are asking a crazy plant lady where to go in Atlanta?! The Atlanta Botanical Gardens!! This is a full days worth of beauty and fun! Especially in the winter! We have an award winning light show during the holidays! They have amazing kids programs and a kids garden equipped with a water fountain to play in during the warmer months. Do not miss the tropical rooms and the orchid room!
Right now they are getting ready for their Alice in Wonderland exhibit which is INCREDIBLE!!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I want to shoutout my Plant Friends Atlanta team! Victoria, Crystal, and Xavier! Without them I never would have considered expanding to a larger scale. I wouldn’t have been successful in the beginning without their support.

I’d also like to shoutout to my family! My parents, my brothers who support my crazy habit and have helped to build a business within my business (Onyx Plants).
And of course my son, Declan. He loves coming to plant shows and helping to “sell” plants. He’s such a good sport and always manages to have fun while I’m working!

Website: https://Southeastplantshow.com

Instagram: @Southeastplantshow

Facebook: Southeast Plant Show

Other: Personal Instagram: @teatime.garden

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