By Sophia Pu | Staff Writer

   For senior Annica Wu, there’s nothing more fulfilling than planting a succulent stem into a mound of soil and watching it grow into a beautiful, healthy plant.

   In July, Wu decided to share that satisfaction with people across the country by starting her own small business selling succulents online through the social media platform Reddit. Before sending the succulents off to their new owner, she does everything from growing the plants to packaging them, each box personalized to the customer. Shipping boxes of ten and 20 via the Postal Service, Wu has sold 831 succulents so far.

   “Taking care of houseplants gives me so much joy,” Wu explained fondly. “When a plant grows a new leaf, I know that it is because of my efforts and care. Taking care of houseplants has brought me so much happiness and I wanted to propagate that happiness to others!”

   Wu’s Reddit profile is anonymous and she has not yet sold to anyone at Gabrielino High School. Nonetheless, Wu maintains a personal connection with her customers by responding to their comments and giving them advice on how to care for their plants. She has even had returning customers, many of whom praised her succulents highly, applauding the quick shipping, cheap prices, good quality, and secure packaging.

   Wu has promoted her business by hosting giveaways and posting what she’s selling. She sells each box for $11, shipping included. Although she makes very little profit, Wu stated that it was never really about making money, but instead about spreading joy, so she often includes a handwritten note for her customers and even provides extra succulents and stickers.

   Wu is always delighted to be able to respond to and help her customers, because it shows that there are other people out there who are also excited and care about plants. She emphasized how important it is to find happiness during this time of stress and isolation.

   “I think quarantine is causing people to pick up new hobbies such as growing plants or gardening,” Wu said. “Starting a business selling succulents was about having the ability to spread happiness through something simple, especially during the pandemic and social unrest where we all could use a little more happiness.”