Today we’d like to introduce you to Katerin Rodriguez.
Hi Katerin, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
Hello, my name is Katerin Rodriguez & here is our story. It all started with a dream. My father, Bernardo Rodriguez, created his own company named “B & G Tree Service” in the early 2000’s. He has been working in landscaping and tree removal my whole life. As I was growing up, he would bring me along with him when it was time to provide estimates. Since I always spent time with him, he always liked talking about his work and provided more insight about the reality of working as an arborist. I learned to appreciate his long hours of work outdoors after I spent the whole summer working with him when I was 17. On the other hand, my mother, Rosy Gamboa, has been nothing but supportive of everything that my father does. In 2019, we got our first property lot. Since my father had the space, he began selling firewood, and during the winters I learned what it meant to work alongside him and with my brother, Edward Rodriguez on this firewood business. My brother and I would often sell firewood on the side of the road. I remember the first freeze we experienced back in 2020 like it was yesterday. Instead of us sleeping through the winter, we were outside hauling firewood and loading up a bunch of cars in the 30 degree weather. It was a crazy time. We sold out the firewood for different families. Those long, cold days taught us responsibility, patience, and the value of hard work. What started as a small hustle soon became a meaningful family effort. As my father balanced this with demanding landscaping jobs, he never let anything go to waste. When clients asked him to remove unwanted plants, he chose to bring them back to the lot instead of throwing them away, allowing them a chance to recover. Over time, he began placing the plants near the entrance of the lot, and people would often stop to ask if they were for sale. Those small moments of curiosity sparked a bigger idea. My mother, who had been a stay-at-home mom, was eventually asked by my father if they should turn this into a small plant business. She agreed, and in that decision, our family found not just another source of income, but a way to connect with our community. We were supposed to build our dream home on this lot, but God had different plans for us as a family. What initially felt like a setback slowly became the foundation for something greater. My parents proceeded with the idea in 2020. I would occasionally drop by to help them out when they would open only on weekends. I was working as a server and was pursuing a degree at the time so I was not very involved when they first started. We all saw potential in our 1-acre lot. We took the leap of faith and slowly transformed our hidden gem into a real plant nursery. Due to the volume of clients that would stop by, we decided to make our small family-owned business official with an LLC till 2022. This is how Rodriguez Nursery LLC was born. I integrated myself into the business around that time. I ended up quitting my server job & decided to assist my parents with the small business part-time. I started promoting our plants on Offer Up and Facebook Marketplace. I was getting a ton of messages and clients were showing up more. I began to fall in love with plants as each day would go by. In 2024, I graduated with my Bachelors in General Business Administration as first generation. My focus has been on the business full-time since. I took initiative to create and manage the social media platforms for the nursery. Who knew that my father’s patience & love for plants would turn into another successful business. The best part is he gets to enjoy it with the whole family. We all work in unity on the weekends. I knew I fell in love with plants when the job didn’t feel like one at all. All of our neighbors have been nothing but supportive of the accessibility and proximity of the nursery. We have met several clients, made business friendships, and developed an online plant community as a result. One of the best things that the nursery has given us is being able to spread the importance of plants. We do that by showing up to the Acres Homes Chambers Farmers Market every month. We will keep providing the Acres Homes community and the rest of Houston with budget-friendly plants. Our business means nothing without the constant contributions from our clients. We are thankful for anyone who has trusted us with their vision and chosen Rodriguez Nursery to bring it to life. Our business will keep growing a stronger foundation in the Houston community. Being born and raised in H-town has played a significant role in shaping our resilient work ethic, commitment to quality plants, and dependable services. I strive to be the best role model for my siblings. They always look up to me so I want to keep being a prime example that anything is possible in this lifetime. I’d rather plant something new and trust the growth than leave my dream unrooted. Like my mother once said, “Todo si se puede en esta vida mientras sigas caminando con Dios. Nada se hace sin la fé. Pon todo en las manos de él.”
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Although our plant nursery has been rewarding, we have had multiple setbacks. The business location has been one of our biggest problems. Since we are in the middle of a neighborhood with minimal parking space, it does get hectic especially during Spring time now. We would love to move to another larger space in front of a main street one day all in God’s timing. When we first started the business, we had to figure out our suppliers. Since I am more tech-savvy, I did extensive research because I was entering a field in which I knew nothing about. It can be scary diving into the unknown. I had to educate myself about the plant care for several indoor and outdoor plants. It was definitely not easy attending school and building up the business in this male dominated industry. I would hear lots of no as an answer but that never discouraged me. As a result of the pressure, I grew mentally and physically. There were several days in which we would not see any profit coming through. We still have to show up and be grateful for the slow days. Another difficulty for us is making sure plants stay looking fresh. Due to Houston’s climate, we are prone to unexpected disasters from hurricanes, tornadoes, and winter freezes. The plant industry has experienced significant market volatility as each year goes by making us increase the price in plants and materials. Regardless of all the challenges, we remain committed to offer better pricing than big-box stores. When I began my plant journey, I was in the middle of battling depression. Working with plants gave me a sense of purpose and peace in life again. God took me into a different route that little did I know would teach me patience, resilience, and the value of nurturing something to life. I share this vulnerable part of my life to let everyone know plants can heal. I do not see this business just as merely income. It represents a living reflection of healing, growth and opportunity to share the joy of nurturing plants.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
In the Acres Homes area, we are one of the top highly-rated nurseries. People have shown us tremendous love out here. We call it our second home. Rooted in family values & a genuine love for nature, we now get to share our passion for plants with local Houstonians. What we are most proud of our brand is our commitment to sustainability. Our goal is to keep spreading the importance of plants since gentrification has been on the rise. We have noticed a significant amount of large properties converted into duplex homes with minimal grass left, slowly affecting the ecosystems. To reduce waste, my father reuses the same nursery pots from the plant installation jobs. This has been a great way to aid in the preservation of resources and support eco-friendly methods. By offering plants suited for the Houston climate and educating others on how to properly care for them, we aim to cultivate connection, growth, and encouragement to protect our planet one plant at a time. We make sure every client that stops by receives excellent customer service and they get the right plants for their space. Unlike other nurseries, we do not use pesticides on our plants. Instead, we use natural fertilizers to improve plant quality from the Micro-Life brand. As the primary manager of Rodriguez Nursery LLC, I make sure to update the digital platforms frequently and make sure we have a myriad of inventory. Since it is a family-owned business, I do spend some part of my work days picking up new plants, delivering, repotting, uploading plants to facebook marketplace, and speaking to clients whether it is online or in person. Not only that, I am the main propagator at the nursery as well, meaning I create plants from cuttings. The best part of my occupation is that my parents are supportive with any idea that I pitch to them. It’s fun tapping into my creative side and creating content for Instagram, Facebook and Tiktok. I’m going to share all my tips and hacks about plants. Hearing clients compliment our nursery truly warms our hearts. We are creating this safe space where clients can feel more comfortable on their plant journey. If you’re just getting started, don’t worry-I’ll keep uploading my videos so you can grow beautiful plants too. We are planning to provide repotting classes for anyone who might want to broaden their expertise in plants in the near future and attend more markets. It is such a privilege meeting new people & spreading awareness of our business with others who love supporting local businesses. Our nursery welcomes everyone.
If you live in Houston or are ever in our side of town, we encourage you to come and visit us. Rodriguez Nursery offers beginner-friendly plants, perennials, natives, hardy plants, and more. We have plants starting at just $3, and we sell firewood year-round. We offer landscaping designs, gift wrapping, propagation, repotting services, plant restorations, tree installations, full landscaping services, junk removal, and firewood delivery. For plant consultations, please feel free to reach out. Our nursery goes above and beyond expectations. We have potting soil bags and pots available.
I’m open to becoming a supplier for anyone interested in buying plants in bulk and always happy to make business with other trustworthy individuals. We love motivating individuals who visit our nursery and show interest in selling plants to pursue it with confidence. We all start somewhere—every journey begins with a single step. If you have a passion in your heart, don’t be afraid to turn it into a source of income. Believe in yourself and trust the process. Remember, a business isn’t built overnight. To become a boss, you have to start thinking and acting like the CEO of your vision.
One of the best reviews we ever received written by Dennis Jasinski:
“This charming neighborhood nursery is truly a hidden gem. I never would have discovered it if not for their Marketplace ads, and I’m so glad I did. From the moment I arrived, I was pleasantly surprised by the impressive selection and well-curated assortment of plants, garden supplies, and decorative items. Despite its quaint size, the shop is thoughtfully organized, making it easy to browse and find exactly what you need.
The atmosphere is warm and inviting, and the staff members go out of their way to be helpful and accommodating. Whether you’re an experienced gardener or just starting out, they are more than happy to offer advice, answer questions, and help you select the best plants for your space. Their friendliness and knowledge make the shopping experience even more enjoyable.
Another standout feature of this nursery is its pricing. Unlike many specialty plant shops that can be on the expensive side, this place offers very reasonable prices, making it accessible for both casual plant lovers and dedicated gardeners alike. Whether you’re looking for a new houseplant, seasonal flowers, or landscaping essentials, you’ll find quality options without breaking the bank.
Overall, this nursery is a delightful place to visit, and I highly recommend checking it out. It’s a rare find that combines variety, affordability, and excellent customer service all in one spot.“
When you keep the right mindset, others will meet you there. Everything has been possible with the grace of God. We take pride in the work we put out. Hope you keep us in mind for your next plant trip!
What do you like and dislike about the city?
We love the mix of diversity in Houston. Many of the clients who have stopped by have shared valuable knowledge with us, including medicinal properties of plants they’ve discovered. I appreciate that people are willing to spread information instead of gatekeeping—it’s refreshing. Unfortunately, some people in the plant industry can be greedy, but helping others is a non-negotiable for us. I also support other nurseries because making connections is what truly gets you far in life. Houston offers a wide availability of jobs, and there’s room for everyone to be successful here. The opportunities in this city feel endless, making it a great place to start a business. Most people are willing to show love and support, and everyday items are more affordable compared to other major cities. Social media has also played a huge role in bringing people closer together.
Even if city life becomes overwhelming, there are plenty of hiking trails within Houston. That said, there are some negative aspects. We’ve noticed a lot of littering near properties, which leaves a poor impression on the community and isn’t fair to those trying to make a positive change. Traffic and delinquency have also worsened over the years.
We’ve experienced severe weather as well—intense summer heat waves and winter freezes. Hopefully, the economy improves after everything we’ve seen in the news. As someone who spends a lot of time on Facebook Marketplace, I’ve seen scammers asking for deposits and claiming they’ll “hold” plants. Please double-check that sellers are legitimate. Always stay vigilant, both in public and online. All we can do is stay cautious, support one another, and pray that things improve in our society.
Pricing:
- Plants starting at $3 and up
- Firewood Delivery (price based on miles)
- Repotting services (vary based on size of pot)
- Propagation services (contact me for further information)
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/profile/100028785529932/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rodrigueznursery
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rodrigueznurseryLLC
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@katerinrdrgz
- Yelp: https://m.yelp.com/biz/rodriguez-nursery-houston-2
- TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@rodriguez.nursery
Image Credits
Grad photo: Sweet Bella Photography
Rest of the photos: Katerin Rodriguez
