We’re excited to highlight Gisella Glasgow, founder of Plant & Sip and a member of our 2025 AccelerateHER cohort. Built from a love of creativity, plants, and bringing people together, Plant & Sip creates hands-on experiences that invite participants to slow down, connect, and create something beautiful. Drawing from her background in hospitality and her passion for crafting welcoming moments, Gisella has built a business rooted in joy, calm, and community. In this spotlight, she shares how Plant & Sip grew from simple craft nights into a meaningful creative business and what continues to inspire her along the way.
How did you come up with your business concept? What inspired you to start your own business?
Plant & Sip grew from my love for people, creativity, and the simple joy of making something with your hands. I realized there was a real need for fun, hands-on experiences that help people slow down, connect, and create something beautiful. Succulents were the perfect start, easy to care for, full of personality, and great for beginners. Plant & Sip became my way of sharing that joy with the community. Every workshop is a reminder of why I started: to bring people together through creativity and give them a little moment of peace and fun in their busy lives.
What’s your background? Could you tell us how each of these disciplines emerged in your work?
My background is in the hospitality industry, which taught me how to create warm, welcoming experiences and connect with people from all walks of life. I’ve always been naturally creative, hosting craft nights, decorating, and filling my home with plants. Over time, I realized how much joy these moments brought to others. Combining my hospitality experience with my love for hands-on creativity made Plant & Sip a natural fit. Succulents were the perfect medium. They're beautiful, beginner-friendly, and relaxing to work with. Plant & Sip became the place where my strengths came together: crafting, community, and creating memorable experiences that make people feel at ease and inspired.
What led you to take your work from an idea to pursuing it as a business?
The idea for Plant & Sip came from my love for plants and crafts, and my desire to bring that joy into everyone’s life. I wanted people to experience the beauty of plants without the stress that often comes with caring for them. Succulents were the perfect fit: low-maintenance, forgiving, and full of personality. What began as simple craft nights quickly grew into something more. Seeing how relaxed, inspired, and happy people felt creating their own succulent arrangements made me realize this could become a meaningful business. With my hospitality background and passion for connecting people, Plant & Sip naturally came to life as a way to share creativity, calm, and a little bit of nature with everyone.
How did you find your brand identity?
My brand identity grew from the heart of what I love - plants, creativity, and creating welcoming experiences. I wanted Plant & Sip to feel warm, hands-on, and approachable, just like my workshops. The use of succulents, natural textures, soft colors, and simple designs all came from my desire to make people feel relaxed and inspired. Over time, the brand naturally evolved into a reflection of who I am: creative, community-focused, and rooted in bringing a little beauty and calm into everyday life.
Do you have a personal and/or professional motto or mantra that you call upon during tough times? What is it and what does it mean to you?
Yes! I lean on a simple mantra: “Keep growing.” It reminds me that, just like the succulents I love, we can thrive even in less-than-perfect conditions. Growth isn’t always big or obvious; sometimes it’s quiet, steady, and slow. This mantra helps me stay grounded, patient, and focused on progress rather than perfection. It’s a reminder that every challenge is part of the journey, and that I’m still growing through it.
How do you pick back up on moving your business forward when perhaps feeling uninspired?
When I’m feeling uninspired, I go back to the root of why I started, creating joy, community, and simple beauty. I’ll spend time with my plants, try a new craft, or step into a workshop just to connect with people again. Seeing others light up instantly brings me back. I also give myself permission to pause, reset, and recharge. Inspiration always returns when I reconnect with creativity and the purpose behind Plant & Sip.
What have you gained so far from being a part of the AccelerateHER cohort?
Being part of the AccelerateHER cohort has given me clarity, confidence, and a stronger foundation for growth. I’ve gained practical tools, trusted mentors, and a fun, diverse, supportive community of girls who truly understand the entrepreneurial journey. It’s helped me think bigger, refine my strategy, and feel more empowered as a business owner.
Name a woman or gender-expansive individual, past or present, whom you admire or look up to. Why?
One woman I deeply admire is my daughter. Her strength, resilience, and ability to balancing life with grace inspires me every day. Watching her chase her goals, care for her family, and continue growing as a person reminds me why I work so hard. She motivates me to lead with love, stay determined, and keep building a legacy she can be proud of.
Learn more about Plant & Sip at their website here.