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Rising Stars: Meet Chelsea Fields

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Today we’d like to introduce you to Chelsea Fields.

Chelsea Fields

Hi Chelsea, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
Rhizome opened in January 2023. It evolved out of our previous business Eyelight Coffee & Comics, a cafe in historic Sanford that offered many events, classes and retail products including rare houseplants, metaphysical items, and comics alongside the cafe menu. As Starbucks locations multiplied near us, and the chain stores were dominating, we realized we needed to pivot and refocus on our true passions: selling houseplants, crystals, and comics. We moved to Moore county and opened Rhizome (currently in Carthage) where we now offer a large selection of rare houseplants, comics, crystals, gifts, and a small menu of cafe drinks and baked goods.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
During our years in Sanford, we struggled with the rising cost of goods essential to our bottom line like milk and paper cups. During the pandemic, the availability of goods and labor was also tumultuous. Now that we have modified our business model to emphasize houseplants and comics over consumables, it is a much smoother process and we are able to see more return on our investments.
Small businesses are still very vulnerable as we do not receive the wholesale price breaks that the major box stores enjoy. We pay higher fees for just about everything including shipping and advertising. We have to fight to get our brand recognized in the shadow of major corporate retailers. However, customer loyalty makes it all worthwhile!
Thanks – so, what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
We grow and nurse rare, tropical houseplants. We also pot and arrange plants for customized gifts. We carry rare and variegated monstera, philodendron, pothos, calathea, syngonium, aglaonema, carnivorous, cactus and succulents. We offer loyalty discounts and many ongoing sales.
Rhizome has a well curated collection of comics specializing in the 80’s and 90’s. We offer a search and pull and hold service for comic customers looking for particular books.
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
There are many knowledgeable small business owners with a high level of expertise in their field. The best way to learn from them is to be supportive of their business and help spread the word about their services. Many owners/operators are more than willing to educate and share with loyal supporters!
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