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I love it when people combine two different things to create something new. So, when I heard about Plant People Boutique–plants and snacks together–I was thrilled. And they offer vegan options!
About Plant People Boutique
Plant People Boutique is the brainchild of Sarah Buchanan, a therapist who adores plants of all kinds. She has always collected and nurtured plants, even doing her mother’s landscaping as a teenager. Her house and office are decorated with plants, and she has a thriving outdoor garden at home.
Sarah did not have Plant People Boutique on her radar until COVID changed how she and the other therapists in her practice worked. Instead of working in her Counseling Center, they provided telehealth. When Sarah emerged from isolation, she found that her practice stayed focused on telehealth, and the offices remained unused.
So, Sarah opened the front room to sell plants to those she calls “my plant people.”
A Place For Plant People to Gather
Another thing that changed with COVID was people’s connection to plants and gardening. But when she opened her front room to sell plants, she also supplied an opportunity for people to connect. It became a gathering place, so Sarah expanded the space to hold more plants. When they wanted more hours and weekend time, she responded. When people wanted more places to sit and talk, she responded. When they wanted coffee and treats, she opened the café.
“Plant People was born out of a love for both plants and community. I looked around during COVID and just missed people. I heard from so many others who also felt disconnected from their families, communities, hobbies. What better way to reconnect with the community than with plants? My goal – from the beginning – has been to spread and share a passion for growing and enjoying plants throughout our community – and to create a space for those with this shared interest.”
What she didn’t expect was visits from non-plant people. And because of the friendly atmosphere and helpfulness of the staff, these folks became plant people, too.
Plants are the Artwork
The Plant People Boutique is housed in an older building with immense charm and atmosphere. The decorations are plants placed in artistic groups and bathing in the light from the big windows.
The artistic layout of the plants was my first impression of Plant People Boutique. It was like an art installation, with sedums of all colors and textures lovingly placed for maximum enjoyment. The high ceiling allows taller plants to stretch and surround you as you browse.
Sarah is gradually working to install native and pollinator-friendly plants outside the boutique. She will eventually remove the grass in front to support the environment.
I asked Sarah what she is most proud of, and she responded that she was proud she took the leap and made the business work. She had no experience running a retail food business. Still, she has made it work by responding to her customer’s needs. Now, she enjoys supplying a place for people to connect and learn about plants. Although she still owns the counseling practice and provides therapy one day a week, she enjoys the fun and flexibility of owning this unique business focused on her passion.
About The Plant People Boutique
The Boutique is located at 309 N Houston St, Maryville, TN. Hours are Monday-Saturday 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM and Sunday 1:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Café Offerings
Plant-based milks to add to coffees and teas (macadamia, almond, coconut, and oat.)
Coffee, tea, and kombucha.
Bagels, vegan pastries, and chocolates.
The Boutique
Plant People offers plants, of course, and artisan pots, macrame hangars, and gardening supplies. But you can also find T-shirts, greeting cards, keychains, and other plant-themed merchandise. Sarah likes to support other small businesses, such as the local jewelry maker, who puts tiny plants in resin necklaces.
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