Green-fingered grad launches his lockdown business

University of Northampton Graduate, Abdou Elmesnaoui, has launched his own lockdown business, bringing the outdoors in, by the power of pot plants.

Not content with completing his Masters of Business Administration (MBA) studies, Moroccan-born entrepreneur, Abdou, used the Coronavirus pandemic as inspiration to launch his new business venture, Pets and Plants.

Pets and Plants brings shoppers the best in houseplants, kitsch plant-related homeware, and clothing, alongside carefully curated collections from fellow plant-powered brands and artists.

Speaking about the inspiration for his business, Abdou Elmesnaoui, said: “I grew up around indoor plants, my mum loved them, and she used to have them around the house all the time. It’s great to bring a little of the outside, inside your home.

“Like me, people my age are increasingly interested in creating indoor gardens, many people joking that their plants are their pets. It was this that inspired me to set up Pets and Plants.”

Plants are proven to reduce allergens, improve air quality, and provide stress relief. The coronavirus pandemic, with people staying inside for longer periods, has intensified the popularity of house plants, with people creating their own urban jungles to brighten their living spaces and home offices.

Abdou credits his MBA studies with helping him to plan and launch Pets and Plants, he said: “What I learnt as part of my MBA studies was vital when I was planning the launch of Pets and Plats.  My studies supported me to map out the business plan, structure, and the marketing for my millennial audience. Most importantly, the feedback I’ve had from the professors on the course has helped me grow in confidence, throughout my studies, and now my business is flourishing.”

As well as the products on sale, Abdou, shares top tips for indoor gardeners, from plant care guides to recommendations of plants to suit shoppers’ lifestyles.  Follow Pets and Plants on Instagram for more tips and inspiration.