Meet Andrea Afra of Sucs for You! in Central

Today we’d like to introduce you to Andrea Afra.

Andrea, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
Sucs for You is an online hub for succulent care and education. I started an Instagram account a few years ago dedicated to my plant collection and wrote about the challenges of growing succulents in Houston. Before long, others were reaching out for help and advice about their plants and finding identifications.

I have a background in web design, writing, and photography so I built a website (sucsforyou.com) and started a Youtube channel devoted to succulent care. The support and positive feedback I received from around the world encouraged me to write a book called ‘The Succulent Manual- A guide to care and repair for all climates.’ It’s an interactive ebook and available online by subscription. My hope is to have a paperback version out by the holidays or spring of 2020.

Has it been a smooth road?
I’ve lost many plants in the process of learning what they need to survive in the thick and sultry heat of the Gulf Coast region. Succulents like mild, arid climates which is the exact opposite of Houston, Texas. Throw in a record breaking hurricane, hard freezes, and the occasional snowy winter… our wacky weather seriously puts you to the test if you’re growing succulents outdoors here. You really begin to appreciate the ‘survivors’ that do well despite the less than ideal circumstances.

So, as you know, we’re impressed with Sucs for You! – tell our readers more, for example, what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
Since Sucs for You is an online company, I am able to connect with people from around the world which has been an amazing experience. When someone reaches out for advice, I start by asking them where they’re located to help determine the weather, available sunlight, and other details about how they’re growing their plants. We work together to troubleshoot their problems and adapt their plant care regimen to something that works for where they live. I’ve learned so much by helping others in different climates and it puts me in a unique position to be able to pass that information on to folks who are dealing with similar regional challenges.

Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
I was born and raised in Houston and while our city has its flaws, I can’t imagine calling any other place home. I love the fact that you can have a delicious, affordable meal at one of thousands of our great restaurants. I can’t go very long without a gordita from El Jaibo on Bellaire Blvd. or a big sandia aguafresca from a juice stand.

I love how our climate can support so many wonderful types of plants and wildlife. I spend a lot of time outdoors and the lizards, Blue Jays, herons, and Cooper’s hawks are great company!

Houston is a massive city and needs to step up its game when it comes to reducing our negative impact on our ecosystem. We need better recycling programs, public transportation, and incentives for businesses to reduce their carbon and waste output.

We also need to improve the way we help people who are homeless or dealing with a mental illness by providing more outreach programs, easy access to free medical care, public restrooms and free laundry services.

Pricing:

• ‘The Succulent Manual- A guide to care and repair for all climates’ ebook – $9.99

Contact Info:

• Website: sucsforyou.com
• Email: get@sucsforyou.com
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/sucsforyou/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sucsforyou/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/sucsforyou
• Other: https://www.youtube.com/c/SucsForYou

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