Meet Melanie

Founder and Creator of Sage Spade.  

Although I’d consider myself a seasoned plant enthusiast now, that wasn’t always the case. Ten years ago I was a self-proclaimed “black thumb” who couldn’t keep a plant alive despite my  best efforts. That was until I purchased a cactus from a local vendor off the streets of San Francisco. I made a vow to myself that I would keep that cactus alive for at least a year. The rest, as they say, is history.

Since then, I have spent countless hours cultivating hundreds of plants, educating myself and furthering my expertise. My true passion lies in helping others discover their green thumb like I did and bring nature into their lives. 

Before starting Sage Spade, my background was in architecture, with nearly a decade of expertise working in the field of sustainable design. I am a firm believer in the transformative power of using natural elements to seamlessly blend indoor and outdoor spaces. Determined to challenge the status quo that living sustainably was too difficult and costly, I decided to take matters into my own hands.  

My vision was to bring local artisans, farms, and businesses under one roof, and create a  space where people could easily access affordable houseplants and locally curated products.  

I started Sage Spade in the spring of 2022 while working full time, with less than $1,000 to invest and a burning desire to make a difference. Despite my lack of prior experience and funding, I took a leap of faith and signed up to become a vendor at my local farmers market, effectively kickstarting my journey as an entrepreneur. I purchased a tent, a sign, business cards, and a small startup inventory consisting of plants and thrifted items.  

Our irresistible products sold out in no time, and customers were asking for more. This overwhelmingly positive response to our little booth showed the immense potential of this idea. 

Whether you’re an avid plant enthusiast or just getting started, welcome!

Sage Spade is here to help you along the way. Because there’s always room for one more plant!  

Cheers,  
Melanie