An Inspired Chat with Brianne Schoener of Morris County

We recently had the chance to connect with Brianne Schoener and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Brianne , thank you for taking the time to reflect back on your journey with us. I think our readers are in for a real treat. There is so much we can all learn from each other and so thank you again for opening up with us. Let’s get into it: What’s more important to you—intelligence, energy, or integrity?
Integrity is the most important to me. Integrity is being able to act with good character as if no one is watching. It’s about acting with positive morals and having conscientious behavior. Having integrity and good character are super important to me because I want to leave an impact – not just as a horticulturist and helping others with garden pursuits but by being a good person.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Brianne and I hail from the beautiful, garden state New Jersey, I am an influencer in the horticultural industry. I get to help people with plant problems to both homeowners and as well as industry professionals. I keep in the loop to be in the know when it comes to everything plants – whether it’s the current trends or keeping up on plant pest management. I am your favorite plant girl, I am the Botany Scholar

Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. Who taught you the most about work?
When we walk through this world as professionals, we are carrying this umbrella of knowledge and characteristics the moment we started this work force. In this umbrella, you have everything that influenced you to be the best you that you can be.

Who taught me the most about work has been a huge group effort to those who shaped me as the young professional I am today.

My dad taught me about work ethic and my dad got my feet planted in the vegetable garden to start my love for plants.

The crew that I work with, that I love like family has taught me how to be a pro in this industry – not just teaching me the tricks of the trade but adding to my work ethic and for teaching me things that just won’t make sense now but will make sense down the road.

And to the National FFA Organization for developing one strong leader.

It wasn’t just one person, it was one huge team backing me up because they believed in me.

Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
I wish I took mental health more seriously. There was a point where I was depressed, high functioning depression. Things felt like an act, I was warring a mask. I was the same person with the same energy but behind closed doors – things were really tough. I felt the pain of mourning people who passed away in my life that I loved so much. I cut out my friends who loved me. I felt alone. I let this carry on for months before I told myself that I will get mental help. I felt like I was letting myself slip, I gave up because I stopped giving my heart into things that I was passionate about.

I am in a better place right now. My shine is back and it took awhile. Things do get better, but you need to invest in you for things to get better. Please if you’re struggling, there are resources. Do not be like me and let your shine go.

Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What’s a cultural value you protect at all costs?
I’ve been in this industry since I was 19, and one cultural value – for my industry specifically is supporting these Independent Garden Centers. Our customers come to us because they trust our knowledge and they want to support us (I am luckily enough that my customers come into the garden center just to stop in and say hello)

With AI, Chat GPT, big box stores, and places like Amazon – these are taking away from any family own business, I’m finding the younger generations do not want to come in and talk – they want to look it up and buy.

The value of shopping at a garden center is more than a transaction, it’s the whole one on one time you get with a customer – whether it’s teaching or just being a friend. It’s beyond the cash register and I feel that we are moving away from having that one on one with how technology is going.

Keep that connection alive!

Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. When do you feel most at peace?
I feel the most at peace late at night, I have developed into a night owl! I love the quiet of the night. Sometimes I will put on ambient/lo fi music and just decompress from the long day.

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