Meet Dee Ferguson

Today we’d like to introduce you to Dee Ferguson.

Hi Dee, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself
My name is Dee and I ran a successful service business for 15 years and felt a massive burnout. No longer in love with any part of my business, I just wanted to get out and have a fresh start. In early 2020, I sold the business and then was left (like everyone else in the world) questioning what was next for me? What was next for my family? To pass the time and to keep me sane, I bought a peloton and started a genealogy project for my dad.

I’ve always been a passionate gardener and plant collector. Name a plant and I’ll happily over-share its care directions, solicited or not. I’d spend my workday longing to tend to my yard, my plants and the garden.

Plants and gardening have been an obsession I’ve had my whole life and after spending months researching my ancestors – it turns out it was just part of my DNA. My roots, mostly farmers, also had a passion for botany. Many of them pictured surrounded by their yard, their plants, and their family.

The idea of starting a plant business and community dedicated to helping folks find the best plant for their lifestyle sparked my passion. We named the business rOOTS – after my maiden name “Oots” and in dedication to our family that shared the same passion. It is important to us that our business provides Kansas Citians with a unique, personalized plant shopping experience for every plant parent skill level: from folks who know their way around a greenhouse to folks who have never owned a plant before.

To accomplish this, we provide QR code plant care instructions with each of our plants. When someone buys a plant from us we ask questions like: “Do you have plants at home?” and “What kind of lighting is available?” We ensure that each person is matched with the best plant for their space.

We also envision our plants as being used as home decor pieces. Taking home a beautiful tropical plant just to put it on a plate in the kitchen window was never the goal. We think of ourselves as the grown-up plant store – and with that, our customers have the opportunity to customize the perfect plant AND porcelain ceramic pot (complete with proper drainage and saucer). Once those choices are made, our plant experts will pot the plant for our customers in the store and ensure that the piece is ready to take home, place in their desired spot and enjoy for a lifetime.

One year after our Grand Opening you can find us every weekend in multiple locations. We’re always at Bella Patina, 3rd floor, in the west bottoms on first Friday weekends.

We’re also on Instagram @rootskc and post daily where you can find us popping up all around Kansas City.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The largest obstacle is finding the best retail spot in the KC area. We’ve had a few leasing deals fall apart on us at the last minute. That has been frustrating! But we’re still popping up all over the place – in fact, we had 7 pop-ups just last weekend.

Every day presents a lesson to be learned. Our rOOTS family is guided by what best serves our customers. Customer service and quality is our top priority.

Starting a new business takes a lot of time and good energy. So we work hard to manage our time and energy in the best interest of our business needs.

As you know, we’re big fans of rOOTS KC. For our readers who might not be as familiar, what can you tell them about the brand?
We are rOOTS KC, a tropical plant and porcelain ceramic pop up shop in Kansas City that matches folks with the best tropical houseplants for their space. Our tropicals are (mainly) locally grown and come complete with QR plant care instructions.

Shopping with rOOTS is going to give you a unique, personalized plant shopping experience. Our team will discuss your plant goals, expectations and space to ensure a successful life with your new tropical. Our “pick your plant, pick your pot” option allows full customization on colors and patterns to best match your style and decor. Your rOOTS team of professionals will also prepare your new plant and pot with fresh soil right on the spot and at no charge.

rOOTS: Cool plants for cool people can be found on the 3rd floor of Bella Patina every first Friday weekend and pop ups all over town each weekend. We’ll also pop up in your community and bring the plants directly to you! Ask your community and property managers to contact us to organize an event at no cost to them. Follow us on Instagram @rootskc to find out where we’ll be next!

We’d love to hear about how you think about risk-taking?
I’ve never felt like investing in myself is risky. Growing up with an entrepreneur father, this was instilled in me from a young age. Of course starting any business has some financial risks. I believe taking that risk is better than losing the chance!

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Website: Rootskcmo.com
• Instagram: @rootskc