Owner: Jillian Wells
Business: Paloverde Botanicals
Locations: Ventura, California
Year Founded: 2020
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BUSINESS BASICS
Small Business Xchange (SBX): Tell us about your business. What do you do, and who do you serve?
Wells: At Paloverde Botanicals, I create plant and nature-inspired gifts that feel thoughtful, personal, and a little magical. From curated gift boxes to botanical treasures (and our signature Disco Plant Stakes), everything is designed for people who want more than just another mass-produced gift. I love serving anyone who values meaningful, beautifully designed gifting — whether that’s a friend sending love from afar, a company thanking clients, or a shop stocking our Disco Garden line.
Paloverde’s signature Disco Plant Stakes
SBX: What inspired you to start Paloverde Botanicals?
Wells: Working in event production, I’ve spent years sourcing gifts for talent and VIPs — and I was always frustrated by how generic the options felt. I wanted gifts that were more personal, design-forward, and inspired by nature (seriously, plant gifts make the best gifts). That idea grew into Paloverde Botanicals: a place for plant and nature-inspired gifts that feel truly thoughtful, whether it’s a curated gift box or our signature Disco Plant Stakes that add a little sparkle and fun to plant décor.
SBX: What’s the story behind your business name?
Wells: The Paloverde tree is a native desert beauty — resilient, bright, and perfectly rooted in nature, which is everything I want my brand to represent. The name felt right, but the clincher was learning that it’s also called the “jelly bean tree.” My childhood nickname was Jilli bean, so it felt like fate. Paloverde is a nod to both my love of plants and a piece of my own story.
DAY-TO-DAY INSIGHTS
SBX: What does a typical day look like for you?
Wells: Every day looks a little different, but it usually starts with inventory updates, packing orders, and handwriting gift notes. From there, I’m usually curating new gift box collections, reaching out to current and future stockists, or working on partnerships with other small makers. Never the same day twice, which I love.
SBX: What’s your favorite part of running Paloverde?
Wells: Without question — handwriting the gift messages. It’s so touching to be part of these private little moments. I get to see people celebrating new babies, anniversaries, milestones, or just sending love across the miles. It feels like such a privilege to witness those connections and know our boxes are playing a role in them.
SBX: What’s the biggest challenge you’ve faced, and how did you overcome it?
Wells: Finding time to grow a business while working a full-time job has been the biggest challenge. I’ve had to get really disciplined about priorities — focusing only on the things that move the needle. I block time off in my calendar to batch work, which has been a definite game-changer. My business is finally in place where I can (and slowly am!) delegate, which is an exciting next step.
SBX: What’s one tool, app, or resource you can’t live without?
Wells: Two words: Google Drive. I couldn’t function without it. It’s my marketing calendar, my asset library, my brain dump, my production timeline. Everything!
The Star Gazer, Orange Blossom, and Adventures in Your Own Backyard gift boxes
ABOUT THE OWNER
SBX: What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?
Wells: Done is better than perfect. I’ve prided myself on trying to be perfect in a lot of facets of my business, but I’ve learned 1) that’s impossible, 2) it’s a cover for procrastination, and 3) that’s not as fun as learning and growing!
SBX: Who is someone you admire, and why?
Wells: Katie Hunt of Proof to Product. I admire how she’s built her own success while teaching and lifting up other women-led businesses along the way. She’s proof that generosity and leadership can go hand-in-hand. And I could listen to her podcast for hours!
SBX: If you weren’t running this business, what would you be doing?
Wells: Probably surfing my way around the world or hiding out in the desert somewhere (with a lot of plants, of course). But the truth is, I love working too much to sit still for too long.
SBX: Coffee or tea?
Wells: Coffee all day long. Or cold brew with extra cold foam, more specifically!
SBX: Early bird or night owl?
Wells: Both! But I’m most productive at night. It’s a blessing and a curse.
SBX: Favorite book, movie, or podcast?
Wells: You Are a Badass by Jen Sincero. Listen to the audiobook. She is hilarious, brilliant, and the perfect kick in the butt.
SBX: What’s your dream vacation destination?
Wells: Southern Costa Rica — away from the crowds, surfboard in hand.
LOOKING AHEAD
Paloverde’s signature Disco Plant Stakes
SBX: What’s next for Paloverde? Any exciting plans or goals?
Wells: I’m focused on expanding our wholesale lines — getting our Disco Plant Stakes and garden accessories into more shops across the country. And on a personal milestone, I’m hoping to hire my first part-time team member soon, which feels like such an exciting next step for Paloverde.
SBX: How can people support your business?
Wells: Shop small! Every order — big or small — truly makes a difference. Sharing our products with friends, following us on social, or choosing us for your next gift helps us keep growing. And if you know a business looking for meaningful corporate gifting, recommending Paloverde goes such a long way — we love helping teams celebrate and connect through plant-inspired gifts.
SBX: Where can people follow you online?
Wells:
- Web: paloverdebotanicals.com
- Instagram: @paloverdebotanicals
- Pinterest: @paloverdebotanicals
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