Small Business Spotlight: The Greenery Minneapolis Plant Shop & Mercantile
Friday, January 1, 2021 at 8:30AMArticle by Becky Fillinger
Meet Melissa (Mel) Anderson, owner of The Greenery Minneapolis Plant Shop & Mercantile, a stellar new small business addition to the Mill District at 1029 Washington Avenue S. Visit Mel’s shop to find items to create a home sanctuary for the cold winter season ahead of us.
Melissa AndersonQ: What about the Mill District appealed to you for a new business location?
A: I've always loved downtown. The beauty of the Mill District is that although you still get the hustle and bustle of downtown, it's actually quite peaceful here. Honestly, it was by sheer serendipity that I got this space! My lease was nearing its end at Midtown Global Market and I saw an ad while weighing my options. I wasn't sure if it would even be possible but I cast my hook and the management at Green Rock bit. Turns out this was everything I'd imagined and more. The neighborhood is clearly growing and everyone has given me such a warm welcome - plus the windows in this space are hard to beat for all the plants.
Q: You’re a Native entrepreneur. Is it important to you as an indigenous small business owner to incorporate under-represented cultural perspectives into your business?
A: Indeed. Thank you for asking this question. I myself am both Lac Courte Oreilles and White Earth Ojibwe. I understand that I've been given the opportunity to set an example, change the narrative, and shift the perspective on what a modern female Native entrepreneur looks like. As the space progresses and while the primary focus will still be a plant shop, I wanted to provide the same opportunity for other makers to have a platform to showcase their work since I have more than enough space in what will become the Mercantile piece of the store. Collectively, Natives are multifaceted and have a wide variety of interests outside of stereotypes and I want the shop to be reflective of that. Not only will there be works by other Native entrepreneurs, but it will be open to BIPOC and LGBTQIA makers as well.
Q: We’re looking forward to seeing the build out of the Mercantile! What merchandise or goods are offered at The Greenery Minneapolis Plant Shop & Mercantile?
A: We will always have an assortment of houseplants, pots, soils and plant care products. As our build out progresses, our vendors will offer a wide variety of goods, from macramé pieces, bath and body products, teas, tinctures and art. It will be an ever-changing piece of the store as we have rotating vendors. You'll have to come in and see what's new each time. Each vendor handcrafts their products and no two pieces will be alike. By early spring we will be offering cut flowers and vases to make your own bouquets. It's going to be a labor of love.
Q: Making our homes more of a sanctuary is more important than ever. Do you believe that plants can help?
A: Yes! They are the epitome of bringing the outdoors in and caring for something, through nurturing and watching it grow. It's a never-ending learning process to find the plant that works for you, and you'll find that people bond over plants and nearly everyone who has a plant, has a plant story. Whether it's been gifted, they still have it from a beloved family member's service from years ago, or they propagated it themselves. Plants do bring a sense of wellbeing, can bring a feeling of pride, and they will always be in style. Plants defy trends.
Q: Will you have any Grand Opening specials?
A: We will! Since the pandemic has turned everything upside down, we're hoping things open up enough to allow us to have our Grand Opening this spring. Stay tuned!
Q: How may we follow your news?
A: Instagram, Instagram, Instagram! @thegreenerympls, also Facebook.
