Episode 34: Plants, Coffee, and Community; The Greenhaus Coffee Story with Niki Woodruff

Sidney Series #3: In this episode, Luke Henry sits down with Niki Woodruff, owner of Greenhaus Coffee, to explore her entrepreneurial journey.

Niki's path wasn't a straight line – it meandered from furniture flipping to plant retail before culminating in her current multi-concept business. What started as a creative outlet restoring mid-century furniture evolved as she recognized emerging opportunities. When her staged furniture pieces caught attention for the plants decorating them, she pivoted, creating a plant shop that thrived until COVID-19 forced her to reimagine her business model entirely.

The conversation reveals how Greenhaus Coffee came to life through creative problem-solving and strategic partnerships. Without food and beverage experience, Niki collaborated with established coffee professionals to learn the ropes. When faced with budget constraints during renovation, she transformed challenges like exposed radiators into design features and used paint to create high-end looks without the price tag. These creative solutions allowed her to build a distinctive space that feels both elevated and welcoming.

Beyond the coffee shop, Niki discusses her work developing downtown living spaces, including an Airbnb and apartment renovations. She candidly addresses the complexities of updating historic buildings – from wiring hazards to mysterious leaks between adjoining structures. Her insights illuminate why downtown development requires both vision and technical know-how, especially when navigating commercial building codes and limited budgets.

What makes this episode particularly valuable is Niki's honest reflection on entrepreneurship's emotional journey. She shares the exhilaration of seeing her vision materialize alongside the anxiety of taking on debt for the first time. Her practical advice about managing expenses, especially unexpected payroll costs, offers crucial guidance for aspiring business owners.

Guest Links:

Facebook: www.facebook.com/greenhauscoffee

Main Street Reimagined:

Facebook: facebook.com/MainStreetReimagined

The Main Street Reimagined Podcast, Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLqfkmF5bRH0od1d3iiYKs3oEn_gvMYk7N



Henry Development Group:

Facebook: facebook.com/henrydevelopmentgroup

Website: www.henrydevelopmentgroup.com

Developing News Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/33110524eb5c/developing-news


Luke Henry:

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/luhenry

Facebook: facebook.com/luke.henry.148

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