About Us
Meet the Head Sprout!
Hi! My name is Emily Schanbacher, and I am the founder of Sprout of Control, an online plant shop based in Mankato, MN.
I love houseplants and sustainability, and I want to incorporate both in my small business. You can read more about the Sprout of Control story and values below.
Outside of running a small business, I work full-time as a Marketing Coordinator in Mankato. On the rare occasions I am not working, you can find me jogging, drawing comics, or trying to learn a new recipe!
Every tree planted and pound of trash removed matters. Help me make a difference - no matter how small!
Our Story
While attending school to become a graphic designer, I worked part-time as a florist, tending to various houseplants and going from a brown to a bright green thumb!
After leaving this position, I couldn't stay away from plants, keeping a growing collection at home. I continued researching houseplant care and delved into online plant-loving communities to find new and exciting plants. I eventually bought an Ikea cabinet and converted it into an indoor greenhouse for my room, but even that began overflowing with new leafy friends.
With my plant knowledge, I helped friends, family, and coworkers maintain and revive their houseplants. I gifted houseplants often and helped friends pick the best plants for their habits and interests. What started as an inside joke that I was "the plant doctor" and "their local plant dealer," turned into many loved ones asking if I had ever considered starting a plant business. Their encouragement has lifted me to where I am today!
To everyone who has supported me, thank you!
Our Values
The name "Sprout of Control" has two meanings: it references my home being overrun with plants and wanting to see the Earth thrive with our support.
As consumers, we must consider where our money is going. Who we purchase from and what organizations we choose to support all impact market trends and the likelihood of other companies following in our eco-friendly footsteps.
We are deeply rooted in giving back to our planet. We prioritize eco-conscious sourcing, packaging, and operations practices to reduce our ecological footprint. 10% of our profits are donated to non-profits that combat deforestation and ocean pollution. You can learn more about our donations by checking out our Reforestation and Ocean Conservation page under the Learn More tab.