Her Story
About Ila
Ila Outterbridge is a horticulture professional and entrepreneur with 19 years of experience in the horticulture and landscaping industry. Based in Pennsylvania, she is the owner of Versa Services, a business she established in 2020 that offers a range of services, including landscape design, construction, and maintenance. Having developed an interest in horticulture at the age of 15, Ila has built a diverse background through roles in greenhouse production, hydroponics, interior plantscaping, and garden maintenance. Her professional journey reflects her dedication to helping homeowners create and maintain beautiful, functional outdoor spaces.
Ila earned a Bachelor of Science in Horticulture from Temple University in 2017 after graduating from the Longwood Gardens Professional Horticulture Program in 2013. Her education provided a strong foundation in plant science, landscape design, greenhouse and nursery production, arboriculture, integrated pest management, and plant research. Throughout her career, she has gained valuable experience as a horticulture technician, assistant manager, and section grower, including exploring hydroponics while living in Hawaii. Inspired by her experiences and a desire to help homeowners, Ila eventually established her own business, combining her technical knowledge with her passion for gardening. She also supports the Arbor Day Foundation.
Ila attributes her accomplishments to perseverance, hard work, and the values instilled in her by her parents. She takes particular pride in how far she has come professionally and remains committed to delivering quality work while maintaining integrity, honoring commitments, and building a strong reputation. Outside of her professional responsibilities, she enjoys gardening at home and with her family, traveling, attending church, and playing video games. Through Versa Services, Ila continues to pursue her passion for horticulture while helping others cultivate and enjoy their outdoor environments.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Ila
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my parents. I come from a really big family and my dad ran his own business. He instilled the value of a good work ethic early on.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received is simple: just do it. Take action, trust yourself, and don’t let hesitation stop you from pursuing opportunities.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
You need to ask yourself if you want to work 24/7 365 and if the answer is no, you should find someplace that pays well and a position you're still passionate about so you don't make horticulture your second career.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in the landscaping industry is the lack of hands-on experience and practical knowledge among some landscapers and landscape architects. This creates an opportunity for highly skilled, knowledgeable professionals who understand fieldwork and can deliver quality results.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
I value integrity, honesty, and maintaining a good reputation in both my professional and personal life. I believe being truthful and upholding strong moral principles are essential to building trust and lasting relationships.
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