Today we’d like to introduce you to Cassie Groves.
Cassie, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I’m a proud farmer’s wife in Robertson County, Tennessee, a mother of three, and a grandmother of six. My days are rooted in family, hard work, and a deep love for the simple beauty found in nature. What began years ago as a way to avoid waste while working as a florist slowly grew into something much more meaningful. I started drying leftover flowers and greenery, turning them into small batches of potpourri. Before long, people began asking for more, and what started as a simple, practical habit became a passion.
Today, my son and I handcraft every product we offer through our small business, Shoots, Roots & Leather Boots. Together, we create potpourri, simmer blends, wax melts, and botanical home fragrance inspired by the woods, fields, and changing seasons around us.
In recent years, I’ve felt called to return even more to the land itself—wildcrafting when possible and using natural elements like pinecones, cedar, herbs, and dried botanicals. There’s something special about gathering from nature and turning it into something that brings comfort into someone’s home.
Everything we make is rooted in tradition and made to linger—simple, honest products that reflect the life we live and the land that surrounds us.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road, but I think that’s what makes this journey so meaningful. One of my biggest challenges has been living with rheumatoid arthritis. There are days when working with my hands is painful, and I’ve had to learn to slow down, listen to my body, and work at a different pace than I once did. At times, that’s been frustrating, especially while running a business where there’s always more to do.
Another challenge has been growing the business while keeping it true to its roots. As demand increased, I had to make decisions about sourcing materials, balancing buying certain botanicals while also working toward wildcrafting more of what I use. Staying authentic while scaling hasn’t always been easy.
Like many small businesses, there have also been the everyday hurdles—costs, learning the ins and outs of selling online, and finding ways to stand out in a crowded market. But through all of it, I’ve stayed grounded in why I started and now we are Etsy’s Best Selling Shop in potpourri.
In many ways, the challenges have shaped the heart of my business. They’ve taught me patience, creativity, and appreciation for the work itself. This isn’t just about making products—it’s about building something meaningful, alongside my son, that reflects our life, our values, and the land around us.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I’m a botanical artisan and the owner of Shoots, Roots & Leather Boots, where my son and I handcraft potpourri, simmer blends, wax melts, and other home fragrance products inspired by nature and old-world traditions. I specialize in creating rustic, nature-based scents using dried flowers, herbs, pinecones, woods, and botanicals. Many of my blends are inspired by the forest floor, warm kitchens, citrus peels, and the changing seasons. I’m especially passionate about incorporating wildcrafted elements whenever possible, because I believe there’s something truly special about bringing a piece of the land into someone’s home.
What I’m most proud of is that everything we make is done by hand, just the two of us. This isn’t mass-produced—it’s personal. Each blend reflects our lifestyle, our surroundings, and the care we put into every detail.
What sets my work apart is the combination of authenticity and atmosphere. My products aren’t just meant to smell good—they’re meant to create a feeling. Whether it’s the comfort of a cozy kitchen or the calm of the woods, I want people to experience something nostalgic and grounding when they open a bag.
I also think my story plays a role in what makes this business unique. As a farmer’s wife, mother, and grandmother living with rheumatoid arthritis, I’ve built something that allows me to continue creating with my hands, at my own pace, alongside my son. That connection—to family, to tradition, and to the land—is at the heart of everything I do.
So maybe we end on discussing what matters most to you and why?
What matters most to me is my husband—he’s my rock. Through everything in life, from building this business to navigating the challenges of my health, he has been my constant support. He’s the steady presence that keeps me grounded, especially on the hard days. Having someone who believes in you, stands beside you, and helps carry the weight when things feel heavy means everything.
Family has always been at the center of my life, and my husband is a big part of that foundation. Because of his support, I’ve been able to keep creating, keep growing, and keep doing what I love.
At the end of the day, everything I do—my work, my business, my creativity—is rooted in the life we’ve built together.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.etsy.com/shop/ShootsandRootsShop
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1C7BaVT3eN/
- Other: https://www.faire.com/brand/b_uaa3gk49rc
