KAY KIM

COFOUNDER + 
CREATIVE DIRECTOR






It’s not everyday that you quit your stable job at droga5 to pursue a plant startup with your best friend, but that’s exactly what I did in 2017.

Rooted is a modern-day plant company dedicated to reconnecting people to nature. We grow and ship houseplants nationwide, directly from our nursery, straight to your door. As both cofounder and creative director, I wore every hat imaginable, guiding us from selling plants out of our Brooklyn apartment to defining a new category and building an 8-figure national brand—acquired in 2023.





Potheads  -  Brand Overview









WORDMARK/LOGO










ROOTED BRAND COLORS













ROOTED  TYPOGRAPHY







ROOTED ILLUSTRATIONS








ROOTED PLANT PACKAGING





We designed custom packaging for our plants ranging from 2” - 6’ tall. Our custom inserts, which fit together like legos, ensure safe delivery and protection while accommodating multiple plants of various pot sizes and heights. 

This design system optimizes box space, reduces shipping costs, and increases margins. Since its inception, many companies have begun adopting and utilizing our designs as their own.






ROOTED LIFESTYLE PHOTOGRAPHY









ROOTED SOCIAL



In just a few years, Rooted grew to a community of 140K and generated over 30 million organic impressions equaling $540K of earned media value. This growth led to collaborations with major brands and organic exposure across platforms, from the mainstream reach of Good Morning America and NYT to the cultural significance of Hypebeast

It caught the attention of and built relationships with celebrities like SZA, Disclosure, and André 3000, and fostered strong brand love and loyalty. So whenever people needed plants, Rooted was always top of mind.



(I have not been as involved with the account post acquisition.)





ROOTED HARD GOODS


LAUNCHING OCT 2024







To me, Rooted is more than a company—it's my crash course in NYC entrepreneurship. All the greatest hits: wild swings, spectacular misses, late-night problem-solving, and the sheer stubbornness to try again. I may not have gotten the flashy portfolio pieces or awards from it, but creating something from nothing with an amazing team? Worth every sleepless night.






MORE ROOTED THINGS