What started as a hobby has blossomed into a lucrative business for Mini Antony, a 45-year-old entrepreneur from Ernakulam, Kerala. Mini’s love for Bougainvillea flowers began as a small garden project on her 15-cent plot 20 years back. Today, she is the proud owner of a flourishing business, growing and selling over 100 varieties of Bougainvillea saplings to customers across India.
Mini’s journey began 20 years ago when she planted her first Bougainvillea sapling at her home in Vazhakkala, Thrikkakara in Ernakulam. Fascinated by their vibrant colours and hardy nature, she soon began collecting rare varieties. Her garden transformed into a riot of colours, featuring hues ranging from classic magenta to soft pastels and even multi-coloured blooms.
“When I started growing Bougainvillea, I never thought that one day it would evolve into a business providing me a steady income. I realized the potential of selling the Bougainvillea saplings when my neighbours and friends started showing interest in the plants,” Mini told “Open Digest.”
With her husband Antony’s support, she launched her venture on social media platforms, showcasing her garden and offering saplings for sale. The response was overwhelming, with orders pouring in from flower enthusiasts and landscapers alike. “For the last three years, I have been selling the saplings. There are a good number of buyers for the saplings,” she said.
Mini says that Bougainvillea plants need minimal care compared to other flowering plants in the garden. “Each plant has unique requirements. Hybrid varieties of Bougainvillea plants cost more than the normal ones, and the prices start from Rs 300 per sapling. The hybrid plants do not shed their flowers for two to three months,” she explains.
Her dedication has paid off, as her saplings are now sought after for gardens, balconies, and public spaces. She has managed to attract thousands of buyers for her Bougainvillea flowers, selling saplings through online marketplaces and ensuring delivery to customers across the country. “Turning our passion into a business has been incredibly fulfilling. It’s not just about earning; it’s about sharing the joy these flowers bring,” Mini adds.
