Small Business Spotlight: Ginger Root Plant Co.

Amanda’s Exchange is excited to launch a new blog series dedicated to celebrating the small businesses that make our community vibrant. Each feature will spotlight the entrepreneurs, makers, and local shops that inspire us.

We’re kicking things off with Ginger Root Plant Co., one of our Amanda’s Market vendor regulars! GRPC owner Liz Ford is a green-thumbed visionary with an interior designer’s eye.

Before Ginger Root ever bloomed into the storefront we know today, it started with a deep love of plants, instilled in Liz by her family’s farming legacy. In 2021, Liz felt the pull toward a creative outlet beyond her full-time role as a Project Design Manager. (And yes, she still works full time as an interior designer, while juggling Ginger Root’s store front and events!)

A spark of inspiration hit after seeing the Rose & Lois mobile coffee cart. Liz loved the charm of a traveling micro-business, and wondered if something similar could be possible with plants, though she hadn’t seen it done. She even explored turning her grandparents’ horse trailer into a mobile shop, a meaningful nod to her Southern Indiana family roots. But her family talked her out of it, as pulling a horse trailer would come with its own set of challenges. 

So she began to research, sketch, design, and dream up something new. And here’s the real magic: Liz designed the entire plant cart herself, then worked with local makers to build it.

Her friend, artist Jen Scherr, painted the mural on the cart, giving it the signature personality that customers instantly recognize.

Liz spent 2021 planning, fundraising through selling t-shirts, and slowly bringing her vision to life. By 2022, Ginger Root Plant Co. made its debut at local markets. What started as a passion project began growing roots.

Three years into the business, another door quite literally opened.

Earlier this year, a close friend of Liz’s was preparing to move out of her small bakery space on Main Street in Carmel, and was looking for a subletter. It was the perfect-sized spot in a great location. 

But Liz didn’t want it to be just her space. She envisioned something bigger… a warm, joyful plant boutique filled with intention and products from other local makers.

On September 20, 2025, Ginger Root Plant Co. opened its doors at 211 W Main Street, Suite 101 in downtown Carmel, IN. The shop sources:

• Sustainable plants
• Heirloom-grown varieties
• Unique herbs and houseplants
• Locally made candles, pottery, macramé, jewelry, soaps, and goods
• Handmade pieces from Midwest artisans the owner personally knows

Everything in the shop comes from a place of trust. “If it’s here, it’s something I’ve purchased and used myself,” Liz said. “These are some of my favorite things from my favorite people.”

That authenticity radiates throughout the space. Unique houseplants intermingle with plant-forward gifts. Whether you’re a beginner plant parent or a seasoned collector, you’ll find a space that feels welcoming, helpful, and genuinely community-focused.

Liz shared that her new customers in downtown Carmel, along with the neighboring businesses, have been incredibly welcoming and supportive.

“People are genuinely happy for me and excited to welcome me to the neighborhood,” she said.

One unexpected joy of opening a storefront has been watching Ginger Root grow a loyal customer base. Shoppers now pop in regularly to pick up celebratory gifts for birthdays, promotions, new homes, and all the little milestones in between.

“It’s really fun to be a small part of people’s life wins and celebrations,” Liz said.

 

Why we love Ginger Root Plant Co. :

At Amanda’s Exchange, we’re big believers in:

• Shopping small
• Championing local creatives
• Sustainability
• Meaningful connections

..and Ginger Root Plant Co. embodies it all. If you haven’t stopped by yet, consider this your sign. Just be prepared to leave with a freshly adopted plant and or gift you didn’t know you needed!

Liz’s favorite plant: Raven ZZ — an easy-care houseplant with a striking, dark hue. Moody vibes, not-so-moody plant.

Follow them on IG: @gingerrootplantco

Visit their storefront: 211 W Main Street, Suite 101, Carmel IN 46032
More info online: gingerrootplantco.com