Penarth Nub News aims to support our community, promoting shops, businesses, charities, clubs and sports groups.

We will be profiling some of these businesses and organisations in a feature called 'Up Close in Penarth'.

Today we caught up with Bethan Woods, Penarth's newest merchant of all things decorative

Plant lovers of Penarth are going to love one of the town's newest local businesses. The Little Green Corner, is run by Bethan Woods, who decided to set up her business in July after a terrible trip to the garden centre.

"I couldn't get hold of any plants of flowers, and it was about that time that garden centres were re-opening. I went and just thought it was a nightmare. The social distancing was really chaotic, it was awful. The only other option was to buy online and they all had hefty delivery charges and came from far away," said Bethan.

Bethan works as a teaching assistant, but during lockdown The Little Green Corner became her full-time job.

"I just thought I'm going to try and set this up and see how it goes. Being inside, I had the time to think about what I wanted in my home, and that really inspired me. I also had more time to focus. I know a lot of people didn't enjoy lockdown, but it was good for me in that way," she said.

Bethan offers a wide range of indoor and outdoor plants, and can deliver to your house. Prices start from £10 for individual plants, but Bethan also offers to help decorate outdoor spaces with her products.

"Lots of people have started caring about 'front door appeal', so I've had people approaching me to decorate outside their front door or areas of their garden with my products" she said.

"I think during lockdown we all started paying a bit more interest in our house and garden.

"It's all about assessing what each individual customer wants. I spend so much time talking to them and getting exactly what they want, even with potted plants.

"I just think that sometimes it's hard when you're not creatively-inclined to be put things together yourself, but I can come and help with that. Then the best day is delivery day and seeing the smile on someone's face."

Bethan thought people would want bedding plants, so that they could keep busy but discovered people actually wanted potted products.

"As I started, I found people liked things that they could put out and have instantly ready. A few people asked me about house plants, so I started stocking them as well. Then people started asking about one-offs and individual items that I stocked, which meant that once I'd sold them, they're gone. I think people liked the excitement of messaging to see if there's any left," said Bethan.

According to Bethan, the biggest challenge in setting up The Little Green Corner has been learning to use social media for the business.

"I've had to figure out a way to use it that wasn't just me posting my pretty pictures and what I like. I had to think about using social media in a business way, and to try and find local followers," she said.

"I actually felt so nervous or even cheeky, posting about it. I still second guess things, but I've got into the swing of it. Once I've built my confidence it'll get easier.

"People have been saying they'll tell their friends, and I've had some lovely reviews as well, of people thanking me for giving up my Friday night to talk to them.

"I've lived in Penarth for nine years, and I love living here. Other local businesses are supportive, and I always try to shop local. I think lots of people in Penarth do that, but for them to then support me is amazing."

As her business grows, Bethan hopes that The Little Green Corner can become her full-time job.

"Being a teaching assistant requires a certain amount of creativity, but I wanted to push that more. I would love for this to be full-time; it would be a dream to get to be creative all day," she said.

"I've been surprised actually how well it's gone so far. I think customers like the safety aspect of having their plants delivered by somebody local."

Find out more about The Little Green Shop online: Instagram - @the.littlegreencorner