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

Hi Shetal, can you tell us more about your background and the role it’s played in shaping who you are today?
I grew up in India and raised in USA. While growing up, my family always gardened. We tried to eat healthy and freshly cooked foods to battle ailments. It has been very handy to learn about plants in depth. Few years back before my FB Group Georgia Plant Trade and Sales started, we learned about landscape issues and how to overcome it with our low budget. Then, I started to learn about houseplants and we traded to accumulate more into my collection from common plants to rare. After that I was hosting plant events that allowed a casual environment to learn about plants. This became routine weekly events, Georgia Plant Swap + Sale where we were able to help each other just talk plants and learn from each other all over Georgia as requests came through. It has surely helped to expand my plant knowledge today along with help others do the same. We connected regardless of backgrounds or age or experience levels.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I’ve been a sales executive over time. The careers have evolved over the years in medical, sales, and teaching. Professionally over the last few years, I have had a flexible work environment to be able to care for my medically ill family. It has been a challenge to balance my travel work professionally, but I have learned to be patient and makes sacrifices to work hard. The plant group has helped me a lot to take some stresses out of the ordinary where we step out and talk about plants. This became important as plants and eating at home was a priority during COVID. Challenges faced from everyday people have allowed us to enjoy plants and group events have definitely helped each other cope differently. We have all ages and most of our events are pet friendly. I always say you start with 1 plant and don’t be afraid to try.

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?
I would definitely start with Atlanta Botanical Gardens for the tropical jungle indoors and outdoors. Walk around Piedmont Park and grab a meal at The Nook on Piedmont Park. A drink at AlcoHall at Pullman Yards where we have hosted plant events. Catch a meal at their local market or special shows. Next day, I would definitely check out the Beltline from East Atlanta to West End to where food, music, and activities occur throughout the day and where we have hosted plants events. One cannot leave Georgia without visiting Gibbs Garden or Callaway Gardens which is a quick day trip to see the majestic oasis. Take a day to visit the Centennial Olympic Park to enjoy the Coca Cola museum and the Georgia Aquarium. End the day in the area with a concert or game at Mercedes Benz Stadium or show at Fox Theatre.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would love to thank my mother for being my biggest supporter to allow me to getaway for plant breaks. She has so much knowledge that I have failed to understand growing up. It allowed me to aim to eat fresh and grow beneficial plants. My grandmother was such an inspiration as she took me to visit farms while growing up and having the fond memories of gardening and being able to have farm fresh foods. I am always encouraged to be balanced in our potentials to grow. Of course, I have the group members at Georgia Plant Trade and Sales to thank for all the knowledge shared over the years about growing indoor and outdoor plants.

Website: FB Page https://www.facebook.com/Georgiaplanttradeandsales/

Instagram: IG @GeorgiaPlantTradeandSales

Facebook: FB Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/georgiaplanttradeandsales/

Other: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@georgiaplanttradesales

https://linktr.ee/georgiaplants

Image Credits
The events have been hosted at various local venues and very thankful for the people who come from all over Georgia to spend few hours over plants. Pictured at Mercedes Benz Stadium The HD Backyard, Wild Heaven West End Brewery, Westside Paper Atl, Glover Park Brewery, Eventide, Pullman Yards, and Variant Brewery to name a few locations.

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