Talia Davis

Running one of the few women-owned landscaping businesses in the tri-cities area has been a journey filled with unexpected joys and challenges. Over the years, Happy Hen Landscape has grown to become a top provider of year-round commercial services in our region. This success, I believe, stems from my dedication and commitment to pushing boundaries, even when faced with obstacles.

One of our proudest achievements has been our involvement in large-scale projects, such as enhancing state parks with extensive landscaping and creating miles of trails. We’ve also tackled diverse assignments, from transforming commercial properties to using specialized equipment like our forestry slope mulcher for demanding tasks at airports and ski resorts.

Investing in our forestry slope mulcher was a game-changer. It allows us to offer unique services, like mulching trees up to four inches in diameter on steep slopes — a capability that sets us apart. Embracing such innovations has been crucial in our journey to expand and diversify our service offerings.

Education has also been key. I’ve pursued certifications in pesticide application across multiple categories, enabling us to meet stringent regulatory standards and broaden our service capabilities.

Beyond operational excellence, maintaining a vibrant online presence has proven essential. While our business thrives on long-term client relationships and ongoing contracts, engaging with our community through social media has helped us stay connected and relevant.

None of this would have been possible without the unwavering support of my husband and partner, Josh. His involvement has been instrumental in every success we’ve achieved. Together, we’ve learned that maintaining a balance between passion for our work and personal well-being is crucial. Taking breaks and nurturing our passion for what we do ensures that we continue to innovate and grow.

If I can offer advice to entrepreneurs starting out, I would focus on these areas:

Embrace challenges as opportunities: Owning a landscape company comes with hurdles but view them as a chance to push harder and differentiate yourself.

Prioritize continuous learning: Stay updated on the latest trends in landscape design and management. Consider obtaining relevant licenses, like pesticide application certifications, to expand your service offerings.

Surround yourself with people who believe in you and your vision. Building a support system from family, colleagues and peers provides critical emotional support and an avenue to test ideas.

Maintain a healthy work-life balance: Don’t underestimate the power of breaks. Taking time off will help you return to your work refreshed and more focused, leading to better results.

Looking back on the journey of Happy Hen Landscape, I’m more passionate about our work today than ever before. Our experience underscores the importance of dedication, innovation and the support of loved ones in achieving entrepreneurial success.