Meet Ryann Bradford: Founder of Bradford Botanical & Co.

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

Hi Ryann, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I’ve always wanted my own boutique. It was a secret of mine I kept to myself for years and I was also very drawn to home decor and plants. After spending lots of money of my own in plants I thought that it would be a no brainer to actually sell them however, the driving factor behind me actually starting my own business was after I watched a trigger warning docuseries on Netflix with Killer Mike highliting how limited the black dollar circulated in the black community and the lack of black owned businesses. Watching this inspired me to start a family owned brand. Something I could create that would be around to hand down to my kids.

I researched the process of starting a nursery and how to become a member of the trade and followed all the steps to be listened. At this point I didn’t have a solid plan on running out of a store front but I knew I wanted the business to be mobile so I decided a mobile pop-up would be a good start and I would navigate the rest from there.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Bradford Botanical is a family owned Botanical brand. We specialize in installations, set design, plant education and all thing horticulture. The reason I am where I am today is God, divine timing, and alignment. Creating this business has been a roller coaster of learning experiences and emotions but I’ve learned more in the past year than I have working for any company in corporate with my previous experience. One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is to have faith and ALWAYS bet on yourself.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Hmm I would definitely go eat brunch at breakfast at Barneys and vibe out to all of the plants we’ve installed at their restaurant. I’d visit the village market at ponce city market to shop for clothing and other black owned brands. I’d hop over to the beltline and hit up a few breweries and then head over to the botanical gardens and view their tropical and desert greenhouses.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Tameka Kee, my parents and my amazing supportive wife

Instagram: @Bradfordbotanicalco