About Us
Every business starts with an idea and a goal.
We are Gary and Michelle, a husband and wife duo who both have very demanding jobs and make the best out of the limited down time we have. Since our “5 to 9” pm downtime is used for what we enjoy, voila!... our business name was created. Plus, starting up a small business is totally a venture in itself and the name fit perfectly.
In 2019, 5 to 9 Ventures LLC was born. Without a clear vision other than the end goal to work with each other and for ourselves, we quickly learned it took more than that to be a successful small business. We are extremely hard working and wanted to succeed in anything we do through passion and drive. However, our first two business ideas missed the mark because there were elements missing, like our mission, our purpose.
Third time is a definitely a charm. We figured it out and navigated through our previous failures to apply as lessons learned. We had a common idea we both enjoyed together and independently through what we love and enjoy, with a purpose. Michelle loves gardening, nature, and creating things. Gary enjoys nature, farming and building things. Believing in the power of creativity and craftsmanship, Michelle took the lead and used her skills with drying flowers to create art. The passion to create unique, high quality handmade goods is sustained through their mission to educate, support and replenish the resources used in their products. In June 2022, 5 to 9 rebranded and rebounded with a purpose, a mission.
As of November 2024, the decision was made to fully transition 5 to 9 Ventures to an online platform and store. While we still have some products available in person at Keepin It Local, Morganza, MD and The Potomac Gardens, Coltons Point, MD, and you can contact Michelle to schedule an appointment to see the items at her shop in Abell, MD, the convenience of online shopping allows items to be created and restocked quicker. Our ability to share our products for purchase and content will be limitless. We hope you enjoyed learning more about us and thankful for you. We hope you continue to follow our journey and support us.
Michelle and Gary reside in St. Mary's County in Southern Maryland. They have several acres dedicated to about 200 flower types organically grown and their property is a certified wildlife habitat ID 277833. They have a wonderful mixed breed rescue pup, Benelli, 10 chickens known lovingly as "The Gurls", and 5 rescue hermit crabs from the Keys.