Today we’d like to introduce you to Karina Salinas.
Hi Karina, so excited to have you on the platform. So, before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
That’s a very broad question, really not sure how to begin. I’ve done a lot of different things in my life so far, from luxury retail to construction. After working from home in the pandemic I realized I wasn’t passionate about what I was doing, so I started exploring what has made me happy. Plants have been a hobby for me since I moved away for college – I loved learning about caring for them and helping them thrive. I figured why not turn that into a business? I loved the idea of a plant shop and coffee shop combined so I got to work. I opened Habitat in July of 2021 in Historic Downtown McKinney and we’re a few months short of our one-year anniversary.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It’s been somewhat smooth but naturally, there were some obstacles. From the moment I decided to start my business to the actual opening was about 6 months, which in the grand scheme of things is a pretty short time. In that time, I wrote a lengthy business plan, got a loan, signed a lease, hired an employee, and did all the work to open Habitat. Physically, it was a lot of work. The biggest struggle I think, for me and a lot of small businesses, was valuing what I do. We are so much more than just a plant shop or just a coffee shop – we spend time with everyone who walks through our doors to educate, answer questions, and give advice. Both on plant care and coffee craft alike. Knowing that I’m providing a service that has value and correlating it to my pricing was definitely a journey.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Habitat is a plant and coffee shop in Historic Downtown McKinney and we specialize in houseplants and craft coffee. We’re known for our friendly and knowledgeable staff as well as the quality of our coffee. One thing that definitely sets us apart, coffee-wise, is that we make all our own syrups. I’m very proud of the culture we’ve cultivated and the amazing people that make up our team. We truly are specialists in both the plant world and the coffee world. We are such a multifaceted brand that I sometimes don’t know where to begin with our offerings – we offer free consultations for businesses and homes, we host events, and private parties, and we help people treat or repot their plants. You name it, we can probably do it!
What do you like and dislike about the city?
If you haven’t been to Downtown McKinney, it’s a MUST. I love the small-town feel, the familiar faces, and the small businesses I am lucky enough to call neighbors.
Contact Info:
- Email: store@habitat-plants.com
- Website: www.habitat-plants.com
- Instagram: @habitat.plants
- Facebook: @habitat.plants
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/habitat-plants-coffee-mckinney
Image Credits
Kennedy Jordan
Sidney Diongzon
