Micro Plant Studio Emergency Fund

OUR STORY
In 2017 Julio had an unexpected surgery. As part of his recovery process, from his art studio apartment, he cared for his growing collection of succulent plants. Julio found caring for the plants soothed him and made him feel happier. As an artist, he was inspired to learn more about the biology of succulents and other plants. Julio explored the propagation process and experimented with planting in cool glass tubes and other containers. Within a short period of time he had too many plants to care for. He started to photograph the propagation process and the plants interacting with his collectable tiny toys by creating dramatic environments. Now, his plant collection and toy collection are online. Purchase one of his tiny (Micro) plants or a larger plant along with a (or several) toy(s) to add to your collection. These plants are great for your home or office and can easily make a great gift/present to family and friends. All of our collections are pet, kid, and adult friendly.

HELPING COMMUNITY
Located at 365 West Broadway, South Boston, Massachusetts 02127, Micro Plant Studio occupies approximately 650 square feet of space in the heart of South Boston’s W and E Broadway neighborhood. Micro Plant Studio rents from South Boston Development Corporation, an organization responsible for preserving affordable housing in South Boston. Micro Plant Studio plays a small part in helping this wonderful organization meet their mission, which means when you make a purchase at Micro, you are not only supporting us but also helping preserve affordable housing in the City of Boston.

USE OF EMERGENCY FUND
I am a first generation, minority owned business owner who opened a small flower and plant studio in South Boston. I have been only open for 2+ years when COVID-19 forced me to shut my doors. Micro Plant Studio is not your traditional retail space, an asset to the community. We have been committed to giving back to the community by hosting school field trips and helping increase people’s awareness and appreciation of nature and its benefits. Year-round, we have captured the spirit of the holidays and season through our plants and other plant related items. It is my goal to keep the doors open but I will need your help.  Unfortunately, tourism and local traffic has come to a full stop. I am fearful that my shop won't make it until we are in full swing. 

WHY WE ARE ASKING FOR HELP?
Unfortunately, many small business will not be able to stay open after being closed for over 3 months and rebooting business as "usual" with social distancing.  For Micro Plant Studio, this will be a challenge and we are up for it. At the same time, we are being realistic with our limited financial resources what is possible and what is not. We have applied to local and federal funding opportunities. Already, we have been declined by one of the opportunities. We have yet to hear from two other opportunities. Based on the pattern of how funds are being disseminated for "small" businesses, we project our other two pending applications will be rejected too. We refuse to seat back idled. We understand the role Micro Plant Studio plays in Southie and beyond the City of Boston.

We are not your traditional "retail" space. Year-round, we host school field trips, we connect with residents formally and informally and customers that have visited Micro Plant Studio via social media, texting, and phone. Also, we bring awareness how important it is to have plants in our work spaces and homes and the benefits of having nature around us. 

WE NEED YOUR HELP.

Our most busiest months of the year are already here. Tourism and local traffic has come to a full stop, including corporate events, weddings, and other events that has helped us remained financially sustainable. We hope you are able to help us stay in the community by donating to our Emergency Fund, sharing our story, and/or buying from our online store either for you or for that special someone. Thank you for supporting us and believing in our mission.

Hugs,
Julio Cesar Roman
Founder and Owner of Micro Plant Studio

Other ways to help Micro Plant Studio:

> Sponsor a Succulent for Essential Workers 
> Purchase a Gift Card 
> Buy Plants and Pots online 
> Buy Flowers 
> Book Us for Grand Event 
> Book Us for a Workshop 

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