Current in Entrepreneurship Blog

During the pandemic, Michael Odulana of Union City, New Jersey, found himself searching for a way to stay grounded. Like many, he turned to a hobby—one that soon transformed into something much bigger. Today, Odulana is the founder of Plant Dad, a brand that sells unique plant-inspired home decor, and Moobience, an interior design company that blends nature with wellness to create restorative spaces.
His journey from plant enthusiast to entrepreneur is a testament to the power of passion, creativity, and the willingness to learn.

A Childhood Love of Plants Becomes a Lifeline

Odulana’s love for plants began in childhood, inspired by his parents’ interest in botany. But it wasn’t until the isolation of the pandemic that he realized just how much greenery could positively impact a space—and a mindset.

“I felt way more balanced,” Odulana says. “And I wanted other people to feel that way.”

By surrounding himself with nearly 200 varieties of plants, he discovered that his home became what he calls a "charging station"—a place that restored his energy and well-being. This realization sparked the idea for businesses that would help others create similarly uplifting environments.

From Side Hustle to Growing Business

While Odulana was passionate about plants and interior design, he initially lacked business experience. Balancing a full-time job as a business analyst, he sought out resources that could help him turn his vision into reality.

In 2021, he joined the Verizon Small Business Digital Ready program, where he gained access to courses on branding, marketing, and financial management. The program helped him refine his product offerings, optimize pricing, and build relationships with new clients. He also gained confidence in his social media strategy—something that quickly paid off when a video he posted demonstrating how to paint an accent wall went viral, racking up over 21 million views and 742,000 likes.

“I was able to skyrocket my brand very early on and successfully hit targets while actively gaining the skills, tools, and resources I needed for brand building,” he says.

Expanding Through Pop-Up Shops

By 2023, Odulana had expanded his reach beyond online sales by hosting pop-up shops at festivals and markets. These temporary retail experiences allowed him to test products, generate revenue, and create valuable marketing content.

Recognizing the impact pop-ups had on his own business, Odulana later taught a Verizon Small Business Digital Ready course on how other small business owners could use pop-up shops to boost visibility and sales.

Looking Ahead

Odulana envisions Plant Dad and Moobience as pioneers in the interior design and wellness industries, proving that plants and natural elements can do more than beautify a space—they can transform how people feel in their homes.

“So far, I’m very proud of what I have been able to accomplish with my brand,” he says.

With a growing online presence, a thriving product line, and a strong foundation in interior design, Odulana is well on his way to making his mark in the industry—one plant at a time. 🌿