Hi! My name is Laini Berry and I am a 4th year at Penn State, majoring in Corporate Innovation and Entrepreneurship (CIENT). I decided that I wanted to pursue the Sustainability Leadership Minor to expand my knowledge and gain more sustainability experience. My choice to graduate with this minor requires me to complete 3 credits of for-credit internship work, as well as 3 credits of a business project. My for-credit internship requires me to complete 135 hours of Student Farm work before I graduate this Spring. My business project developed around my interests and career goals; creating a Succulent Business Plan.
I had my first experience with succulents when given two for free at my cousin’s baby shower. That is where my love for them started. I love taking care of them and watching them grow so much that, in 4 years time, I now own ~20 succulents. This interest in succulents and my passion for business has driven me to take this business plan head on. My Succulent Business Plan will allow for more distribution and sales of succulents that we have an abundance of sitting in the greenhouses. I have conducted interviews and focus groups, as well as created and dispensed surveys to fellow Penn State students for data collection. All of the work I have put into this business plan finally came together on April 4th, my Succulent Sale!
My favorite part of this business plan so far has been working in the greenhouses potting the succulents that I plan to sell. The pots include 2 different kinds of Ecoform pots and thrifted mugs/cups. The biodegradable Ecoform pots are made of renewable grain fibers, and will last about 5 years holding a plant.
I want to be in the position to enforce more sustainable solutions in the business world, and this Succulent Business Plan is helping me learn more about incorporating sustainable practices within something as small as a succulent sale. Working with the Student Farm this semester has opened my eyes to all of the opportunities to make new friends and be involved with important work here at Penn State, even as I am a senior about to graduate. I have learned so much about the world of agriculture by simply deciding to pursue the Sustainability Leadership Minor.