Today we’d like to introduce you to Katie Althoff of violetly.happy.
Hi Katie, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Hi! I grew up in a pretty big family (5 brothers and 1 sister) in Oak Cliff, so as a big sister, I have always been a take-charge kind of gal. If I want something, I am going to make it happen! For well over a decade, I owned a floral/decor business with my mother here in Dallas, and I feel like the entrepreneurial spirit is something rooted deeply in my soul.
I have an amazing 16-year-old son that inspires me to work hard. Showing him that we truly can do anything is something I strive to prove to him every day. In 2020 as the pandemic took hold, I was at a major crossroads and was very unsure of the path I should follow. I knew betting on myself was my best option but when the world is basically flipped upside down, it’s definitely hard to see that. Thankfully, my love for plants came in handy! Not only was I helping friends and the online community with plant care tips, but I was also immersed in the fun world of plant trading and selling cuttings of my own collection.
*Lightbulb moment* Why not chase this dream and turn my passion project into a real business?
That’s when violently.happy was born.
The name is inspired by the amazing Bjork song, “violently happy”. (Clever play on words or auto-correct nightmare?)
In the last 2 years, I have gone from simply sharing knowledge with people online and a collection of around 40 plants to taking care of plants in other people’s homes and businesses with a collection deep into the 100s.
We have a house full of plants AND pets. We have 4 rescue terrier mixes that have all found me as strays. Posey (13), Rudy (12), BBO (6), Cami (3), a bunny, Leo (5), and a giant goldfish, Fishy (4).
When I’m not working on maintaining the jungle (and zoo), I love hitting the road and heading to New Mexico. The enchanted circle is heaven on earth!
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?
Plants are alive so at times it can get rocky! I typically have between 150-300 plants at a time, and knowing that they are all relying on me to stay alive can be insanely daunting. Thankfully, I have been lucky enough to have only a few casualties and can typically salvage plants that crash. The summer months are definitely not always on my side. Pop-ups, shipping, and large commercial installations can be tricky when you’re transporting indoor plants that aren’t too fond of 100-degree temps!
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
After a career spanning nearly 2 decades in the floral/event industry, I decided to dive in headfirst with my passion project; violently.happy.
The pandemic definitely was a game changer for the house plant community. People all over the world who had previously never attempted to grow plants in their homes were scouring the internet for rare plants. Once the world started to open up, people were able to head out to their favorite markets, and I found this was the best way to share my collection with people locally. My approach has definitely evolved, and I focus more on growing and selling low-maintenance plants that aren’t your everyday find.
I also offer what I call “planterior design services” for residential and commercial clients. You can find my plants at a few local coffee shops, hair salons, and in some of my favorite client’s homes. I set them with a care plan, or I personally travel biweekly to maintain their precious plants.
You can catch me at revolving pop-ups around town, including the Underground market, Lockwood Distillery in Richardson, and at the Dallas Arboretum. My online shop is definitely the easiest way to snag the coolest new plants or send them to friends near and far! I offer fun plant classes and host “Planty parties” around the metroplex. I cover everything from propagation to living terrariums with everything in between. Check my Instagram for the next event or to book me for your party.
What was your favorite childhood memory?
One of my fondest memories growing up was the summer of 3rd grade. We spent our days hanging out in the half-acre garden at my (great) aunt and uncle’s and our evenings listening to their old records from the 60s or watching her sing Bonnie Raitt on her karaoke machine (ha!). My younger brothers and I each had our own row in the massive garden, and I will never forget the sense of accomplishment I felt after each little harvest. I can’t recall a single year that I have not had a garden since. Whether it be big or small, it’s something I know I will nurture for the rest of my life.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.violetlyhappy.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/violetly.happy
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/violetly.happy
