10/04/2024
Platte Canyon Area Chamber October Member Spotlight: Terry Bracy of Fancy Forest
The Platte Canyon Area Chamber is excited to feature. Fancy Forest, owned by Terry Bracy, as our October Member Spotlight. Fancy Forest is more than just a plant store—it's an immersive experience where creativity blooms alongside the plants. Walking through the shop, you are greeted by layers of colors and textures, with seasonal displays carefully arranged to reflect the changing beauty of nature. Terry’s knack for displaying her products makes each corner feel like a vibrant, mini-ecosystem. The warm, inviting atmosphere invites exploration, and the care she puts into both her plants and their presentation is evident in every detail. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or a beginner, the thoughtfully curated displays spark inspiration and make you feel at home.
A Legacy of Growing
Terry’s love for plants is rooted in her family’s history, quite literally. Growing up in a family steeped in the green industry, Terry has been surrounded by farming and gardening since birth. “My family, for generations, has been involved in farming, from vegetables to seeds,” she recalls. Her ancestors in Iowa even grew seeds for Ferry-Morse, a name synonymous with quality seeds.
Though her family has roots in Iowa, Terry and her family have long been a part of Colorado. Originally from Fort Collins, Terry eventually found her way to Bailey, where she continues her family’s tradition of growing, only now as the proud owner of Fancy Forest. “We have Colorado roots. We’re pioneers here on one side of the family,” she adds proudly.
The Birth of Fancy Forest
After spending years in the green industry and having her own independent ventures, Terry made the leap to open Fancy Forest just eight months ago. However, her experience in retail and plant sales spans much longer. Prior to opening her current shop, Terry spent four years selling her plants at King’s Emporium, where she developed a loyal customer base. “I started there four years ago. I saw a flower cart there, and I knew I wanted to use it for shows and farmers’ markets,” Terry explains. This simple flower cart marked the beginning of her foray into retail, which eventually led to the creation of Fancy Forest.
Terry reflects on her decision to establish her shop in Bailey: “I wanted my Bailey people to know what I did.” Having lived in Bailey for many years, Terry was drawn to the idea of bringing her business closer to home, where she could share her passion for plants with the local community.
The Challenges of a Small Business
While Fancy Forest has been well-received in the community, Terry admits that the journey has not been without its challenges. One of the primary hurdles has been visibility. “It’s been hard for people to figure out that there is an inside shop as well as the outdoor display,” Terry notes. Many customers assume that her business is solely outdoors, as the location has historically housed professional-oriented services. Additionally, signage has been an issue due to high costs, and the fast-moving traffic on the highway makes it difficult for drivers to notice her shop.
Despite these obstacles, Terry’s optimism and dedication shine through. She is grateful for the support she’s received from the community so far and remains committed to spreading the word about her shop. “Word is getting out, and people are figuring it out,” she says with confidence.
The Ever-Learning Green Industry
Terry’s expertise in the plant industry is vast, but she emphasizes that it’s a field where learning never stops. “Houseplants are an ever-learning process because there’s always something new,” she explains. Whether it’s discovering new ways to combat pests, adapting to changing chemicals, or simply keeping up with the latest trends, Terry is constantly educating herself to provide the best service to her customers.
Not only does Terry love to share her knowledge with her customers, but she also values what she learns from them. “I learn from other people too. I like to have people come in and talk about what they’re doing,” she says. Often, her interactions with customers turn into group discussions, where multiple people exchange tips and ideas.
Handpicked, Colorado-Grown Plants
One of the unique aspects of Fancy Forest is that many of the plants Terry sells are handpicked and grown locally in Colorado. “That’s an interesting fact to know,” Terry points out. By offering Colorado-grown plants, Terry ensures that her customers have a better chance of success in growing them, as they are already acclimated to the local environment.
Pride in Community and Recognition
When asked about the one thing she’s most proud of in her business, Terry immediately lights up: “Being chosen for the Chamber Member Spotlight is something I never expected.” As a new business owner, she is both honored and humbled by the recognition from the Chamber and the community. “I feel so honored,” she says, expressing gratitude for the support Fancy Forest has received.
Overcoming Challenges
In her decades-long career, Terry has faced many challenges, both as a business owner and as a woman in the landscaping industry. “It’s a man’s world in landscaping and nurseries,” she explains. Though women have made great strides in the industry, Terry still encounters skepticism when she tells people that she is a landscaper and designer. “People are still surprised when I tell them I’m a landscaper. It’s kind of condescending,” she admits.
However, Terry has never let those challenges stop her. Her determination and passion for plants have carried her through, and she remains a trailblazer in the industry.
Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
For those considering starting their own business, Terry has a straightforward piece of advice: “Follow your gut and just do it.” Whether you have two cents or two million, Terry believes that the key to success is trusting yourself and staying true to your values. “Be yourself and follow your moral compass,” she says.
Supporting the Chamber and the Community
Terry is an enthusiastic advocate for the Platte Canyon Area Chamber of Commerce and its role in supporting local businesses. “The Chamber is one of the most important things a community can have,” she asserts. As a small business owner, Terry understands the importance of networking and promotion, and she appreciates the efforts the Chamber makes to uplift all types of businesses, including home-based ones.
One initiative that stood out to Terry was the Bailey Clean-Up Day organized by the Chamber. “It made such a huge improvement, and the community really appreciated it,” she says. Events like this, Terry believes, bring the community together and foster a sense of pride in the area.
Beyond Business: Fishing and Gold Panning
When she’s not tending to her plants or running her shop, Terry enjoys spending time outdoors. She loves to fish, particularly using worms, and she fondly refers to herself as a “worm fisher girl.” Another one of her favorite pastimes is gold panning — and yes, she enjoys doing it while skinny dipping! Terry’s humor and love for adventure are just as vibrant as the plants she nurtures.
Looking Ahead
As Fancy Forest continues to grow, Terry hopes to see more community engagement and events that bring people together. She also encourages local businesses, especially home-based ones, to join the Chamber and take advantage of the resources it offers.
For Terry, the success of Fancy Forest is about more than just selling plants. It’s about building relationships, fostering a love for gardening, and contributing to the vibrant community of Bailey. “We’re all the same,” Terry says. “And if we can get involved with each other in small tasks, we can appreciate what each of us is doing.”
As the Platte Canyon Area Chamber of Commerce, we are proud to have members like Terry Bracy, whose passion for her craft and dedication to the community make Bailey a better place. Stop by Fancy Forest to say hello to Terry, learn something new about plants, and perhaps share a gardening tip or two!
Contact Information:
Address: 460 County Road 43A Suite #5 Bailey, CO 80421
Phone: (303) 838-5595
Open: 10am to 6pm Tuesday - Friday and 10am to 3pm Saturday, Closed Sun & Mon
