Nettle & Nightshade | Application Preview
Nettle & Nightshade is applying for government grants to help transition from a successful mobile vendor to a full-scale, community-rooted retail shop in Queen Creek or Gilbert, Arizona. The requested funding of $150,000 will cover leasehold improvements, inventory, fixtures, marketing, staffing, and equipment.
In their first year of storefront operations, they project $180,000 in revenue, a 60% gross margin, and break-even within 12–14 months. Long-term, they aim to grow through e-commerce, workshops, expanded product lines, local hiring, and wholesale partnerships, with the potential for a second location.
The business combines handcrafted plant designs with curated metaphysical products, creating a boutique experience that sets them apart from traditional nurseries and spiritual shops. Their strength lies in delivering immersive, aesthetic-driven retail that appeals to younger, modern consumers seeking authenticity, creativity, and community.
Supporting Nettle & Nightshade means supporting a woman-owned, Arizona-born small business with strong community traction, a clear brand identity, and a strategic vision for sustainable growth. With proven demand and a loyal customer base, the grant would enable them to scale operations, generate local jobs, and revitalize retail space in an underserved area.
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General Information
Business Registration Number: 994592751
Location: Queen Creek, AZ, United States
Length of Operation: 1-5
Number of Employees: 1-10 Employees
Annual Gross Income: Less than $100k
Annual Gross Expense: Less than $100k
Open to Loans: YES
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Funding Usage
Use of Funds: $40,000 – Leasehold improvements (floors, lighting, fixtures, signage) $35,000 – Initial inventory (plants, materials, decor) $20,000 – Furniture, tools, and display infrastructure $30,000 – Working capital for staffing, utilities, and rent $15,000 – Marketing and promotional launch budget $10,000 – Business equipment, insurance, and contingency fund Financial Projections (Year 1): Projected Revenue: $180,000 Gross Margin: 60% Net Income: $25,000–$30,000 Break-even: Within 12–14 months
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Business Plan
Over the next five years, Nettle & Nightshade plans to evolve from a mobile vendor into a thriving, full-scale retail destination in Queen Creek or Gilbert. Our growth strategy includes: Open a Permanent Storefront: Secure a retail space to expand our product offerings, increase revenue potential, and build a loyal local customer base. Launch an E-Commerce Platform: Develop an online shop to reach a broader audience, offer shipping of non-live items, and promote seasonal collections. Host Regular Workshops & Events: Establish weekly in-store workshops and community events that generate revenue, deepen customer relationships, and position us as a creative hub. Grow Product Lines: Expand our inventory to include exclusive product collaborations, local artisan goods, subscription boxes, and branded merchandise. Hire and Train a Team: Create local job opportunities by hiring part-time and full-time staff as operations scale. Develop Wholesale Partnerships: Offer select items (e.g., terrarium kits or dried floral goods) to other boutique retailers and online stores. Expand into a Second Location (Long-Term): If growth continues as projected, explore opening a second shop or satellite location within Arizona. Investing in Nettle & Nightshade means supporting a woman-owned, Arizona-grown business with proven traction, a clear brand identity, and a passionate customer base. In just one year, we’ve built strong community recognition through vendor markets and social media, validating the demand for our handcrafted, plant-based, and witchy-inspired products. Our business stands out by combining artistic terrariums, curated metaphysical goods, and immersive retail experiences in a way that resonates deeply with modern consumers seeking authenticity and creativity. With a detailed plan for expansion, including a storefront, workshops, and online sales, we’re poised for sustainable growth that will generate local jobs, revitalize retail space, and contribute to the cultural fabric of the Queen Creek or Gilbert area. We are prepared, community-focused, and ready to scale with the right support. An investment in us is an investment in creativity, wellness, and the power of small business to shape vibrant local economies.
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Self Identified Competition
Plant Stand of Arizona (Phoenix): A large, established plant nursery offering a wide selection of live plants and pots. While they provide volume and variety, they lack the niche, boutique feel and personalized curation that Nettle & Nightshade offers. Luna by Lizzy (Mesa): A metaphysical boutique with a loyal following. They focus on crystals, candles, and spiritual tools, but do not specialize in plant design or terrariums, making our botanical focus a unique differentiator. Berridge Nurseries (Scottsdale): A high-end nursery with occasional workshops. While beautifully merchandised, they serve a more traditional plant-buying audience. Nettle & Nightshade targets a younger, modern demographic seeking a hybrid of plants, witchy aesthetics, and immersive retail experiences. Nettle & Nightshade stands out by blending handcrafted plant artistry with a mystical, witchy boutique experience. While other businesses may sell plants or metaphysical goods separately, we offer a curated fusion of both, from custom terrariums and dried floral bundles to crystals, ritual tools, and seasonal workshops, all under one brand. Our style is intentionally immersive, aesthetic-driven, and community-focused. We don’t just sell products; we create an atmosphere that invites creativity, mindfulness, and connection. Our mobile market success proves that our audience values this distinctive experience, and our planned storefront will elevate it even further. In a retail landscape that often feels impersonal or generic, Nettle & Nightshade is rooted in authenticity, local culture, and the belief that plants and magic belong in everyday life.
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Contact Applicant
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