Owner of Otherworlds Seed Co.

Michelle Simpson is a fifth-generation Denverite who has a longstanding passion for educating and empowering sustainable systems and practices. Her business, Otherworlds Seed Co., is committed to restoring native landscapes throughout Colorado by making native seeds and plants accessible and affordable. She officially launched her business while attending RMMFI’s Business Launch Boot Camp; she was in her fifth week of classes when she decided to go all in and leave her job at the City of Denver to launch her business full time.

Michelle found a compatible business partner, and they opened Otherworlds LTD on January 4th and hit their first sales goal within 8 weeks. Michelle has since gone on to work with the Denver Park Trust to launch a project called The Pollinator Trail, and they are working with Four Mile Historic Park to establish a pollinator garden. They also have their name in the hat to do a massive turf conversion in one of Denver’s oldest residential communities. Let’s hope they get it! Otherworlds LTD also volunteers with Frontline Farms to make a pollinator hedgerow at Majestic View Gardens. “Volunteering is a big part of our business ethic.”

Michelle says that since completing RMMFI’s boot camp, things have been moving in all the right directions. “Everyone I was in Boot Camp with aren’t classic entrepreneurs, and having such a niche group together helped us have courage and encourage each other. I think that type of connection is how good ideas become manifested.” Michelle took a Launch Loan from RMMFI for $3500 after completing Boot Camp and worked closely with John Bellamy, Capital Access Lead, to finalize everything. She used the loan to start her website, pay her business licenses, and purchase plants. “The loan experience was great. It was the perfect amount to get me running; it lifted all the anxiety that comes in the early stages of building a business.”

You can learn more about Otherworlds LTD or purchase your own native plant box from them on their website.