May 2026 Member Spotlight: Adriane Savelli
Adriane Savelli
Hello! I am Adriane Savelli, owner of Suburban Succulents Plant and Flower Shop. I didn’t set out to become a plant business owner. I built Suburban Succulents by following curiosity, learning through experience, and paying attention to what people actually want and need.
My foundation started early, gardening alongside my mom in upstate New York, but it wasn’t until college that plants became something more. While studying Business Management at San José State University, I transitioned out of my many hourly roles: working at Trader Joe’s for several years, serving as a host at a Persian restaurant connected to a Sheraton Hotel, growing into Catering Manager at that same restaurant, and later becoming a Lead Guest Representative at a corporate housing facility supporting patients staying near Stanford while receiving treatment.
While I excelled in these roles, I couldn’t ignore the desire to be in control of how I spent my time. I explored driving for Uber and DoorDash, and eventually found my way into the plant world through an online orchid company, where I packed and shipped plants and even managed greenhouse operations. At the same time, I worked in plant maintenance across the Bay Area, caring for plants in offices and model homes, and even decorating office trees for the holidays. That combination gave me a rare, practical education in both the beauty and reality of plant care across many environments.
In 2018, my husband and I moved to Vancouver, Washington with no clear roadmap. What began as a simple website experiment for him quickly evolved into something more. While building Suburban Succulents on the side through farmers' markets and pop-ups, I was also working full-time in outside sales for Milwaukee Tool and Ryobi.
When the pandemic hit, both paths began demanding more of my time, and I was forced to make a decision. The tool industry offered stability, but also a clear ceiling that would have required relocation to grow further. Suburban Succulents, on the other hand, offered possibility, creativity, and autonomy.
I chose to take the risk. That decision led me to fully commit to the business, transforming the garage of our new-to-us home into a full-fledged plant shop.
Today, the business has grown into a modern, flexible model that blends houseplants, floral design, and curated goods from local makers, alongside plant maintenance services and interactive workshops. By embracing platforms like DoorDash, prioritizing intentional pop-ups, and building a strong network, I’ve created a business that adapts to real life, both mine and my customers’.
Since becoming a mother, my work has become even more grounded in community. I serve as Treasurer on the board of WEO, Executive Director of Urban Abundance, and recently accepted the role of Secretary with Enspire Arts. I also volunteer with Clark Neighbors Food Project and the Clark County Composter program- it is such a blessing to raise my child around all of these organizations and am thankful I can spend my time being busy with things that bring me joy as well as drop everything and take her to the bike park or library.
I believe small businesses don’t have to follow traditional models to be successful. They can be adaptive, personal, and deeply rooted in both lifestyle and community. Suburban Succulents is a reflection of that belief, and it continues to evolve alongside the life I’m building.
To connect with my work, you can explore Suburban Succulents online or order directly through DoorDash for local delivery. With Mother’s Day around the corner, I’m excited to offer thoughtfully designed plant and floral gifts that not only celebrate the people you love but also support local makers via my small, community-rooted business. Thank you to all who have supported my dream through this journey so far!