Hydroponic gardening is on the rise. Between growing demand and good timing career-wise, it seemed opening Owlyn Solutions for Growers was an obvious choice for Tonie and Robert Brovont.
“My husband and I have been indoor gardeners for a long time,” says Tonie Brovont. “We first became interested in hydroponics about 30 years ago when it was just being developed.”
The Brovonts opened
Owlyn Solutions for Growers at 2398 Jolly Road in Okemos in September. Already, they’ve doubled their space to 3,000 square feet by expanding into the suite next door. The extra space allows them to grow their own hydroponic vegetables right inside the store.
“We're very passionate about local food and helping people eat more healthfully,” says Brovont. “We’re into the whole buy local and raise your own food movement.”
Owlyn currently employs five workers and offers growing supplies for both indoor and outdoor gardeners, as well as organic gardening supplies.
“One of the misconceptions about indoor gardening is that it’s expensive,” says Brovont, “but it isn’t. You can grow all sorts of vegetables under florescent lights and LED lights now.”