Jason Paull and his close friend and neighbor, Dr. Sarah Cady, were long-time houseplant hobbyists searching for ways to expand their passion for plants. An opportunity arose in 2023 when Back Alley House Plants came up for sale.
Initially founded by Austin Lohman in August 2020, Back Alley House Plants was an established and inclusive space for all plants and people alike. Jason and Sarah jumped at the opportunity to own Back Alley House Plants and took over ownership of the business in February 2023.
Back Alley House Plants is a welcoming environment for all types of plant enthusiasts and hobbyists at any skill level. The business carries a variety of house plants, from easy-care to rare collections, plus plant-related merchandise and supplies. In October 2023, they expanded their footprint to occupy the entire first floor of the 501 Main building. Housed on the north side of the building, The Plant Parlor is where classes, workshops, and community events are held. In April 2024, they started to work on another expansion – Cool Plant Labs, a grow-out and laboratory space, which will allow them to expand offerings such as in-house plant propagation, custom-blend soil mixes, plant care products, and affordable rare plants.
Jason and Sarah are committed to working with as many local and small suppliers as possible in this business endeavor and emphasize “collaboration over competition.” This quote is a driving force behind every project at Back Alley. They aspire to own a flourishing business that also prioritizes the well-being of their employees and brings unique products and programming to Central Iowa.
Back Alley House Plants is a place for everyone – regardless of plant skill & ability or a person’s identity. Jason and Sarah endeavor to foster an atmosphere of inclusivity where everyone, including the plants, can have the opportunity to grow in a safe and healthy space. They are dedicated to helping and giving back to the community by donating a portion of their revenue to nonprofits including Food at First, The Bridge Home, and OneIowa’s Trans Mutual Aid Fund. They believe fostering a safe and supportive environment can be healing for individuals and builds a stronger community.
When asked what advice they would give someone looking to start or purchase their own business, Jason said, “Connect with people who are running their business in the way you would like to operate your business, learn from them, and ask them questions.” He also said, “leave the world better than you found it.”
Jason also acknowledges the valuable support received from Leah Locke at the Small Business Development Center. He said, “We received so much great advice as we were starting up from Leah at the SBDC at Iowa State.” Jason also highlighted the importance of programs like the SBDC, which benefit entrepreneurs in navigating the complexities of running a business.