ABA September Monthly Member Highlight:
ROCKSTAR GARDENS
Every month we sit down with one of our amazing ABA members to get to know them a little better! For September, spoke with Lina MacDonald, owner of Rockstar Gardens. We ask each member the same questions, providing an opportunity for our members to highlight the important work that they do in our communities. If you’re an ABA Member and would like to be considered for future Monthly Member Highlights, please reach out to us via email at info@altonbusinessassociation.com
Q: Tell us about your business?
A: Rockstar Gardens is a landscape design company. Our design ethos is what stands us out from other businesses, in which we focus on using naturalistic compositions that allow nature to connect with people.
Q: Tell us about yourself:
A: I’m person who just like a flower, was able to grow in places people never thought I would.
Q: How did your business get started?
A: I’ve been landscaping for 10+ years (starting at an early age with my grandparents). I’ve worked for the top landscaping companies in NH/ME, and I was frustrated with the way they approached their designs and gardening tactics. There was more often than not, no practical rhyme or reason and sustainability was often undercooked. So getting started consisted of turning my passion into a career, and striving to be a company in which our values, knowledge, and expertise would make us stand out from others.
Q: What has your relationship with the Alton Business Association done for you or
your business?
A: I have yet to partake in what the association has to offer.
Q: What do you value most about this community?
A: The people! The longer I live here, the more I realize that it’s such a caring community.
Q: Why did you want to open your business in this community?
A: This is the town I currently live in. My family and I currently rent, but we hope to have the opportunity to buy a house here, and continue to be a part of the community.
Q: What business accomplishment are you most proud of?
A: I subcontract for another landscaping company- the owner is a friend of mine. His business for years has centralized around lawncare. He’s always offered other services, but a large portion of his clientele is based on lawncare. My time with him has influenced him to broaden his business to taking on more jobs tailored to gardening.
Q: What does the future hold for you and your business?
A: I’ve asked myself this question time and time again, and I really don’t think that the future for any business is foreseeable. This question has always filled my head with fear of the uncertainties, but I’d like to believe that the future holds the outcome of me manifesting my goals and dreams into reality.
Q: What is one piece of advice you wish you had as a new business owner?
A: Don’t sell yourself financially short from what you actually deserve just to gain clients. Price yourself right in the beginning. Sure, things might be slow, but honestly, it’s slow starting out regardless.
Q: How can people who want to learn more about you or your business get in
touch with you?
A: Phone calls are great, but honestly it’s whatever approach you feel most comfortable with; Facebook, email, phone (via text or call) .
