Creating Meaningful Community Connections through Recovery with Jeremy Westrum of Window Wonderz and Rootz of Inspiration
Collider is passionate about sharing the stories of entrepreneurs and small business owners in Rochester! We recently chatted with Jeremy Westrum, who owns two local business and is passionate about working with and employing individuals with varying abilities.
Photo contributed by Jeremy Westrum
Jeremy Westrum, owner of two local businesses, Rootz of Inspiration and Window Wonderz, was raised nearby in Stewartville, Minnesota. He “always wanted to leave,” so, upon graduating from high school, he relocated to the Twin Cities to pursue a degree in biochemistry at the University of Minnesota with the end goal of working in pharmaceutical medical device sales.
Throughout college and the years that followed, Jeremy acquired his degree and began working in sales as he had planned. He also struggled with a mental health disorder and grappled with substance abuse issues which eventually culminated in an ischemic stroke in 2016.
Following his stroke, Jeremy faced a long road to recovery and moved back to the Rochester area in 2017 to be closer to family. As he moved forward with his recovery and sobriety, Jeremy found that working with plants and art helped greatly in his journey. He also attributes medication, eastern medicine, mindfulness, and taking the time to learn about himself and his emotions to his success in maintaining his sobriety for the past six years.
“When I moved to the twin cities, I couldn’t keep any house plants alive. But while I was recovering from my stroke I got really involved in propagating plants. I remember being given a couple of jade leaves, which at the time I had no idea how to maintain, but somehow I kept them alive and just kept learning from there. During that year while I couldn’t work, I really focused on plants as well as photography.”
Photo by Corrie Strommen
In 2017, Jeremy started his first business, Window Wonderz, through which he created and sold acrylic boxes, planters, risers, and displays.
“Our acrylic products are made from the highest quality materials to ensure that they are durable and long-lasting. One of the benefits of acrylic is its clarity. Acrylic, or plexiglass, is known for its crystal-clear appearance, which makes it perfect for displays and signage. It is also lightweight and easy to work with, making it a great choice for both professionals and DIY enthusiasts.”
Through his developing love of plants and propagating, Jeremy was inspired to start another business. His initial idea involved hosting “plant parties” for groups to gather together and learn more about growing and maintaining plants. He launched into a two year plan, finding and renovating a space before opening in April of 2020.
Photo by Corrie Strommen
Opening during the pandemic turned the idea for Rootz of Inspiration on its head, as it became impossible to host events. However, Jeremy pivoted and began selling things online, predominately through Etsy. As the ecommerce business grew, Jeremy sold a wide variety of houseplants, plant accessories, and his acrylic items. He also began partnerships with local artists and now has fifty different consignors represented in his storefront.
“We believe in supporting our local artist community and providing them with a platform to showcase and sell their work. Our selection includes a wide range of mediums, including painting, sculpture, and photography. We have a diverse group of artists, including young talents just starting out, veteran artists with years of experience, and artists with varying levels of disabilities, who all bring their unique perspectives and styles to our collection.”
Photo by Corrie Strommen
As the business has grown, Jeremy has also expanded to offer a wide variety of minerals, crystals, stones, rocks, slabs, tumble stones, Lake Superior agates, jewelry, and handmade wire wrapped crystals. He also carries incense, smudging items, and candles.
Photo by Corrie Strommen
“We’ve really become a one-stop shop for all things handmade, natural, and inspiring.”
While Jeremy finds enjoyment in his work, what he finds most rewarding are the relationships he has built, specifically with his staff. Due to his own struggles in the past, Jeremy is passionate about providing employment opportunities to individuals in recovery from chemical dependency, people with varying abilities, and those who may be struggling with their mental health.
“Following my stroke, a lot of opportunities I used to have for employment just weren’t there anymore, and I had so much work to do around my mental health, learning how to talk again, and regaining my energy. I can really connect with certain people within our community through my experiences. It's been very fulfilling connecting with the community on different levels than I could have otherwise. We’ve had some great individuals come here and work with our team. And even though they are here as staff and to complete a job, we learn so much more than just how to work.” Jeremy explained.
He continued, “Having a business and paying my bills is great, but I’m really motivated and rewarded by the growth I can see in the individuals that work here.”
While much of his time is taken up by his work, in his free time Jeremy enjoys time outdoors, snowboarding, wakeboarding, golfing, and playing frisbee golf. He also enjoys yoga, art and photography, and engaging with the community through volunteering.
“These businesses and connections wouldn’t have been possible without me going through some really difficult times in my life. I’m glad that my recovery has ultimately created something good for the community.”
Thank you for taking the time to read Jeremy’s story! If you find value in this content, please consider donating to help Collider continue amplifying the voices of Rochester entrepreneurs. You can also find out more about Window Wonderz and Rootz of Inspiration by clicking the link below!
Article by Corrie Strommen, Director of Community at Collider.
