Whitney Shea, Entrepreneur and Owner of Green Space Plant Co., Located in Downtown Rock Hill

Whitney Shea's journey from teacher to small business owner is a genuine testament to resilience, community, and green thumbs. When Whitney's husband gifted her a greenhouse, little did she know it would become the heart of her budding business, Green Space Plant Co.

"Whitney's story is a shining example of how passion and community support can turn dreams into reality," says Mike Geddings, a fellow small business owner and board chairman of the Gravity Center Foundation. "Her journey resonates deeply with many entrepreneurs, highlighting how hard work with the right support from the community, anyone can achieve their dreams."

Starting with weekend markets and pop-ups, Whitney quickly realized the importance of community. “Coming from a background in education with absolutely no business experience, I knew I would need to find resources in order to be successful,” she says. “And resources, there were. I attended my first York County LaunchPad meeting (a program stewarded by the Gravity Center) in summer 2021, and have attended regularly since. I was amazed by the number of people I met, the connections I made and the overwhelming support I received.”

Whitney's involvement with the Gravity Center, a local entrepreneurial hub, further fueled her success. Through their programs, she gained valuable insights and connections that helped her business flourish. And now, with the opening of her brick-and-mortar store on Main Street in Rock Hill, Whitney's
journey has come full circle.

"Green Space Plant Co. is not just a store; it's a sanctuary," Geddings emphasizes. As a board member and the business owner of Panther Heating and Cooling, Mike finds Whitney's story inspiring. "It's a reminder of the potential that lies within each of us, and the impact we can make with the support of our communities and the resources available to us."

For more information about the Gravity Center, please
visit their website: www.mygravitycenter.com