SoCal Soul Plants & Gifts, a thriving plant shop and community hub in downtown Edwardsville, is celebrating its one-year anniversary March 22-23 with an exciting weekend of giveaways, discounts, and plant-themed fun. Since opening its doors in March 2024, the shop has blossomed into a beloved destination, offering not only a stunning selection of houseplants, succulents, and unique plant-themed gifts but also a welcoming space for plant lovers to learn, connect, and grow together.

What began as a backyard hobby has flourished into a full-time business dedicated to cultivating joy and community—one plant at a time. Founder Jamie Shrum traces the roots of SoCal Soul Plants & Gifts back to a corporate community garden she participated in more than a decade ago. As her love for plants deepened, so did her dream of creating a space where others could experience the same joy and therapeutic benefits of greenery.

“In 2022, I took the leap—leaving my corporate job, returning to school for horticulture, and officially launching SoCal Soul Plants & Gifts, named after my Southern California roots,” said Jamie. “What started at local farmers markets has now grown into a brick-and-mortar store on Main Street, complete with a community garden, potting bar, plant health evaluations, repotting services, and educational workshops. Watching this dream come to life has been incredible, and I’m so grateful for the support of our amazing plant community.”

Choosing Edwardsville as the location for the shop was a natural decision for the ambitious entrepreneur, who spent her teen years here, attending Edwardsville High School and Southern Illinois University Edwardsville while working in local businesses like the Edwardsville Public Library.

“This city has always felt like home, and I’ve loved watching it grow while still maintaining a strong sense of community,” she shared. “Main Street is full of thriving small businesses, and I knew it was the perfect place to plant my roots.”

Like many entrepreneurs, Jamie faced the challenges of launching a small business—from navigating legal requirements to developing a business plan and setting up operations. The Illinois Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at SIUE provided vital guidance every step of the way.

“The SBDC was an absolute game-changer,” Jamie excitedly recounts. “Their free resources, mentorship, and community connections helped me turn my vision into a reality. From the early planning stages to managing payroll, they were there for me.  Even after opening, their support never stopped, and I can’t thank them enough.”

Join the Anniversary Celebration!

SoCal Soul Plants & Gifts invites plant lovers of all ages to join the anniversary celebration on March 22-23. The weekend celebration includes giveaways, discounts, prizes, exclusive sales, sweet treats, kids’ activities and local business collaborations.

During the festivities, SoCal Soul Plants & Gifts will also launch its loyalty program for customers to earn rewards for every plant-filled visit.

Follow @socalsoulplants on Facebook and Instagram for event updates and sneak peeks.

About SoCal Soul Plants & Gifts
Located in the heart of Edwardsville, SoCal Soul Plants & Gifts offers a curated selection of houseplants, tropicals, succulents, carnivorous plants, and unique gifts for plant lovers. The shop also provides a potting bar, plant health services, commercial & residential installations, and a thriving community garden—bringing people together through a shared love of greenery.

About the Illinois SBDC for The Metro East at SIUE
The Illinois Small Business Development Center (SBDC) for the Metro East at SIUE provides free business counseling, training, and resources for entrepreneurs and small businesses in the nine-county Metro East region. To learn more about how the SBDC can support your business, contact (618) 650-2929 or sbdcedw@gmail.com.

PHOTO:  SoCal Soul Plants & Gifts team members