Today we’d like to introduce you to Darian Mcdonald
Hi Darian, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
From Passion to Business: The Story of Hermosa Landscapes
In 2019, when my second daughter was born, I knew I had to find a way to bring in extra income for my family. I had always taken pride in keeping a well-manicured yard, even as a teenager, cutting my parents’ lawn voluntarily because I loved the satisfaction of a clean, detailed landscape. That passion never left me, and I decided to turn it into something bigger.
With a loan from my job’s credit union, I bought an $800 truck and used the same equipment I had for my own yard to start cutting lawns. What started as a side hustle quickly gained momentum. By the end of my first year, I had nearly 40 clients, all through word of mouth and hard work.
For four years, I balanced my full-time job at MLGW with my growing lawn business, working evenings and weekends to build something sustainable. After eight years at MLGW, I faced a tough decision. I realized I was missing out on bigger opportunities, ones I couldn’t take advantage of while still working my 9-to-5. So, after much consideration, I took the leap and left.
The opportunities I passed up didn’t go to waste—I passed them to a friend who would eventually become my business partner. In August 2023, we officially launched Hermosa Landscapes, and our first year was a huge success. What started as a solo operation has now grown into a full-service maintenance and installation company, handling projects from as small as $500 to as large as $50,000. Our team now consists of four full-time employees and two part-time contractors, and we’re only getting started.
Looking ahead, we are committed to growing and serving the Shelby County community with the same passion and dedication that started it all.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Some of my biggest struggles have been the slow seasons with little to no income, having to stretch every dollar just to stay afloat. I’ve worked hard to reinvest in the business without taking on loans, but at times it’s felt like I was just throwing money away trying to figure out the best marketing strategy. It’s been a constant learning process, balancing growth while making sure the business stays profitable year-round.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Hermosa Landscapes?
Hermosa Landscapes is a full-service lawn and landscape company proudly serving Shelby County. We specialize in full-service lawn maintenance, landscape maintenance and installation, outdoor lighting, holiday lighting, irrigation, sod installation, grading, and design for outdoor construction. Whether it’s maintaining a beautiful lawn, transforming an outdoor space, or installing a full irrigation system, we handle projects of all sizes.
What truly sets us apart is our commitment to building relationships with our clients. We don’t just provide a service—we become part of the communities we work in. Over the years, our kids have been on job sites with us, interacting with clients and their children, creating a true family-oriented business. This personal connection has helped us earn the trust of our clients, many of whom have been with us since the beginning.
We take pride in our attention to detail, reliability, and personalized service. Our goal is not just to complete jobs but to enhance the beauty and functionality of every outdoor space we touch. From a small side business to a trusted name in the community, we’ve built Hermosa Landscapes on dedication, hard work, and a passion for quality.
When you choose Hermosa Landscapes, you’re choosing a team that truly cares. Whether you need routine maintenance, a landscape makeover, or a custom outdoor lighting design, we’re here to create and maintain beautiful outdoor spaces while building lasting relationships along the way.
Have you learned any interesting or important lessons due to the Covid-19 Crisis?
Not necessarily for my field
Pricing:
- Weekly full maintenance starting at 200 a monthly
- Flowerbed clean up with mulching starting at 250
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Www.hermosalandscapes.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hermosalandscapes?igsh=empnbjdhbHBsdng3&utm_source=qr
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/hermosa-landscapes-memphis?utm_campaign=www_business_share_popup&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_source=(direct)
