Alumni Spotlight
Name: Renata Goossen
Current Title: Founder
Organization: Renata's Garden
Major: B.S. Horticulture '21
K-State College of Ag is proud to recognize alumni from all departments who continue to pursue their passion in their respective fields. It is through experience that we continue to grow as individuals and stewards of the industry. Through those experiences, we hope to be a continued resource for the next generation of K-State students to lean on for advice and continue to build our network!
Why did you choose K-State?
I learned about the horticulture program at K-State through 4-H when I was in middle school. I wouldn’t have known horticulture was even a career path if it hadn’t been for 4-H. I chose K-State because it was one of the few land-grant universities with on-campus greenhouses. I enrolled as a landscape design and maintenance major, but by my sophomore year, I changed my specialization to horticulture production.
Who was a faculty member who impacted your experience at K-State?
At freshman orientation, I remember watching a lady ride her bike across campus with sunflowers in her basket. At that point I thought, “I must be in the right place.” When I went to my first advisor meeting later in the day and knocked on the door, I saw that same professor, Dr. Cathie Lavis, greeting me. After that, I knew I had found the place where I belonged.
Later in my college experience, Dr. Kim Williams was my go-to faculty advisor who directed me in finding industry scholarships and internship opportunities. She also wrote numerous references for me when I needed them. My collegiate experience was richer and more effective because of her.
What sets K-State's program apart from others in the country?
The on-campus greenhouses were hugely beneficial and provided easy access to hands-on learning experiences. The faculty were also unparalleled in their kindness and relatability. I felt that at any point, I could ask for assistance with my education or career development from any faculty member.
What impact did your study abroad trip have on your education?
Because horticulture and agriculture at large are industries with significant international connectivity, studying outside of the U.S. helped me gain an understanding of how our global industry works.
International travel is most accessible through your collegiate experience, so I highly recommend taking advantage of the opportunity while you can.
What advice would you give to current college students?
Don’t give up on applying for opportunities if at first you don’t succeed. Opportunities like internships, scholarships, student leadership roles and honors are abundant in college. Keep applying yourself, and with the help of the supportive faculty in the College of Agriculture, you will find self-confidence and success in your field.
Tell us about your small business.
I own and operate Renata’s Garden, a dual business model in which I grow plants in my greenhouses to supply my mobile plant shop created from a renovated school bus. With Potwin as my home base, the Plant Bus travels to surrounding communities in south central Kansas and sets up shop for the day.
My business brings a unique shopping experience to rural communities and inner-city areas alike, teaching people how to grow plants and connect with agriculture. Renata’s Garden strives to bring the joy of nature to all people at any place and at any time through experiences with plants.
What does spring-season production look like?
Mondays are production days, so I spend the day transplanting, sowing, scouting and doing everything my degree taught me. Tuesday, I’m usually in the office, arranging pop-up locations, executing marketing strategy and working on the books. Wednesdays are pop-up prep days, so I’m making sure everything is tagged, labeled and that the bus is ready to go. Thursday through Sunday are typically pop-up days. Each day, I drive my bus to a local small business that has agreed to host me, and I set up shop. My weeks can get more or less hectic depending on the season, but spring is a very busy time.