Conversations with Livvy Tubergen

Today we’d like to introduce you to Livvy Tubergen

Hi Livvy, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
My love for flowers began when I was very young working with my grandmother in her gardens. Always sending me home with a small vase for my nightstand. Growing up homeschooled, allowed me at the age of 11 to begin working in a small retail garden center. The owner of that market took a chance hiring a young girl who was like a sponge, soaking up knowledge.

In Addition to learning so much about flowers and how they grow, I saw clients wanted gorgeous planters but had a hard time achieving this look on their own. I started working for a customer planting her flowers seasonally. This one customer soon became 5 and then 8 and then 15.

My dad, who is also a business owner, encouraged me to take my passion for flowers and make it a career. I had a hard time understanding how I could make a living on flowers. My dad told me, “Liv do what you love, the money will come”. This has been a constant encouragement to me this whole journey!

It was only by my Lord and Savior leading me, and my father’s guidance, that allowed to me to start The Boutique Gardener (at the tender age of 15). I couldn’t believe that at the age of 15, this dream was becoming a reality. At age 16, I graduated high school and also went to cosmetology school. Planting flowers for my customers was a way to work while learning to do hair. Doing hair is a passion of mine as well. So, if I’m not out digging in the dirt, you will find me in my salon doing hair!

The primary way that The Boutique Gardener works is to plant seasonal container gardens for residential and commercial properties. All along the way, I’ve also had opportunity to take on wedding flowers (as I have time). It seems that this may become a new division of our humble business and I’m excited to see where this leads.

I will always give the glory to God for blessing me with The Boutique Gardener, and am grateful for the men and women who “took a chance on me” to help me begin. I hope to be able to help a young entrepuner one day to start their dream.

Thinking back to how it all began, I’m shocked to see where we are today. With myself and two part-time women, we service customers all over West Michigan. We keep our customer’s planters full all year long with coordinating seasonal designs.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The first obstacle I had when I started the business was that I didn’t have a drivers license! Fortunately for me, my mom was willing to take me and my trailer (pulled behind her minivan) wherever I needed to go.

Another challenge was gaining trust with suppliers who did not take me seriously. Rightfully so, I was a 15 year old walking into greenhouses wanting to purchase large quantities. Although, God still blessed me by putting a few small local growers in my life who did look at me as a customer and gave me opportunity.

Anyone knows that as a business, you try to purchase your product at a wholesale price of some sort. In the beginning, I couldn’t find anyone to help me purchase product that way. I was forced to pay full price for everything I bought, and yet try to make a profit. The profit was slim, but somehow, we were able to make it each year.

Now I work with one of the largest suppliers in the Mid west.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
The Boutique Gardener is a seasonal container gardening company. We specialize in designing flowers that best fit the style of your home, while also taking into consideration the conditions of sun and light exposure.

I am proud of how each year we have two arrangements alike. We like our customers to have a planter that nobody else has. I think that is also what sets us apart.

Wedding flowers have always been more of a hobby for me. Taking on half a dozed weddings a year has taught me that even though it is a whole different ball game, I love wedding flowers as well. As of this spring 2025 it seems God is opening up a new door to officially offer wedding floral. Not only as a hobby, but a professional service!

What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
I love That West Michigan is such a small city once you begin connecting with each other. Dutch bingo is my favorite game to play with each new person I meet.

Grand Rapids is increasingly growing, I would say that is something I struggle with as I am at heart a small town girl who loves a quiet street and no traffic.

Although God has shown me and my fiancé Drew that this is only more exciting as we have much more opportunity for growth.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.theboutiquegardener.net
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theboutiquegardener?igsh=MTR1MHllc3V1ZG14bQ==