Erica Klopf had little choice but to start her own business after graduating from FGCU in 2012 with degrees in environmental studies and art. She couldn’t go to work for an established edible landscaping design company in Southwest Florida.
There wasn’t one.
So Florida Edible Landscaping sprouted out of her home in Estero. With little overhead cost involved, because plants are purchased from nurseries at time of installation, she was able to start her business without borrowing money. Under the helpful wing of FGCU’s Small Business Development Center, she and her partner at the time learned where to register the business, which licenses to apply for and what type of insurance was needed. Klopf learned QuickBooks software so she could do the accounting, invoicing and taxes. She designed the company website and sought clients via flyers and magazine articles she submitted.
“Definitely, grassroots was the only option,” the dreadlocked, diehard do-it-yourselfer says. “We were just coming out of the recession, and I have a lot of student loans. I was still working part time at the Naples Botanical Garden. I wanted to keep costs low and learn the ins and outs so I could intelligently manage the money flow.”
For every hour she spent in a garden, Klopf says, she spent another hour on a computer organizing her business, which is designing and installing sustainable gardens for commercial and residential clients.
As an FGCU undergrad, Klopf discovered a passion for permaculture that she harnessed in designing the now-flourishing campus Food Forest. Permaculture is an ecological system that maximizes sustainability and productivity while minimizing maintenance. Some were skeptical she could make a living doing this, but she persevered and pursued certification to practice and teach permaculture. She has enjoyed a steady flow of commercial and residential projects. Recently, she and the Food Forest were featured in The News-Press.
“What I’m doing is edgy and it’s risky – which makes it interesting,” Klopf says. “It’s really important for people who have something they’re passionate about, that’s maybe a little unconventional but can benefit society, to reach out for what they want even if they think it may not be economically viable. Don’t be afraid. The economy and social dynamics are shifting toward a green economy.”
- Learn more about FGCU’s Food Forest and sustainable business management curriculum
- Read about other Eagle entrepreneurs in Pinnacle magazine