COVER STORY | Meet Markita Young of Oswego

LOCAL MOM, HEALTH CARE PROFESSIONAL AND ENTREPRENEUR SHARES HER PASSION FOR SUCCULENTS

Married with five children (18, 11, 11, 6, and 6).  Alongside her role as a mother, Markita holds a bachelor's degree in Business Administration with a specialization in Health Care Management.

After dedicating herself to being a stay-at-home parent, Markita found herself facing a gap in her work history, so began to explore her creative side through wood sign parties and desert plant workshops. What started as a personal space in her garage for herself and her twin daughters, who are autistic, soon evolved into a passion for succulents. With the support of her husband, Quinton, not only did it provide mental healing for Markita, it also offered sensory exposure for her girls.

This became the driving force behind Markita's flourishing business, Blooming Succulents.  She believes that if your dreams don't scare you, they're not big enough. With this mindset, she has successfully blended the workshop concept with horticulture, creating a unique platform for others to express creativity.

Markita says incorporating plants into home design will be trending for 2024. By simply selecting a stylish pot and adding a plant, one can effortlessly introduce greenery into their space, bringing a sense of wholeness and positive vibes inexpensively.

With her boundless passion, Markita finds joy in connecting with others within her community. She is inspired by the unity and support that defines the west suburban community. - Kristen Kucharski, Photos Submitted