Today, we’d like to introduce you to Natalie McKean Petersen.
Hi Natalie, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for sharing your story with us – to start, maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers.
We are two sisters who worked in the legal field in 2019 and prior. We’d take lunch breaks together and walk downtown Salt Lake City, daydreaming about opening a shop of our own one day. We always knew we wanted to be entrepreneurs but didn’t know how that would manifest.
Things started slowly falling into place, and by June 2021, we signed the lease to our shop and were officially open in August 2021. Nikki’s husband, Mike, and his sister, Emily, started building a coffee shop in the back of our shop and opened it later that year. We both bring different aspects to the shop, which, in turn, has made it a great duo.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
No, it’s not smooth! But things have typically fallen into place the way they are meant to, and we feel grateful for that! One big struggle we had was finding a space that we could afford and that worked for our vision.
Once we opened, we realized what our busy times and slow times were in retail and that it wasn’t as stable as a 9-5 job so there are some months where we struggle more than others, so we need to prepare for those slower months. We’re also a family-owned business with the coffee shop side, so with that comes some challenges, but we’ve always been able to work through them together.
Thanks – so, what else should our readers know about Pistil and Thorn?
We are a houseplant/gift shop sharing space with a coffee shop. We help answer your indoor plant questions about plant installations, repotting, workshops, private parties, markets, etc. We are also known for our axolotl Ducky.
We’re most proud of how often we get compliments about being welcoming and the good vibes in Bountiful, Utah. We also carry and support several local artists’ work in our shop, which adds a unique element to our shop.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
We want to thank all those who have supported us and continue to do so. Any purchase, big or small, has helped us continue to grow. We love our community and wouldn’t be here without any of you.
Pricing:
- Repotting Services – We offer free repotting services if you purchase a plant and pot. We charge a small fee between $5-$15 depending on the size of your pot.
- Private Parties – We host private parties that start at $35+, depending on your chosen activity. We offer kokedama, succulent & terrarium arrangements, wall hangings, macrame, and much more!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.pistilandthorn.net
- Instagram: @pistilandthorn
