With roots stretching across South Carolina, my love for the earth was planted by the Black women who nurtured me—my grandmother and great-grandmother. Their hands tended to gardens, houseplants, flowers, and generations, sowing seeds of wisdom, care, and resilience. As a child, I remember my great-grandmother in the garden, bringing in fresh food, tending to flower beds, or repotting plants under the carport while humming or singing gospel hymns. She would do this all day, happily, and honestly, I didn’t understand it or take an interest at the time—I was never a fan of hot, country South Carolina summers. But I think it’s clear now that it made a lasting impression.

In 2019, I started craving houseplants. I wondered where this urge came from since I had never cared for a plant before, but instead of waiting to find out, I spoke openly about it and was later gifted a snake plant, then a pothos and aloe simultaneously. I made myself a promise: if I could keep them alive, I’d welcome more into my home.

As a woman who believes in keeping her promises, I was forced to keep one to myself—one that would ultimately lead to the birth of Peace Love Plants. By 2020, as the world slowed down, I leaned deeper into plant care, finding solace in every leaf, root, and bloom. I documented my journey on Instagram, my collection flourished, and I would often be asked how I knew what to do, where this "skill" had come from. I remember getting a phone call from my mom one day. She was with my grandmother and great-grandmother and showed them my PeaceLovePlants Instagram page. My great-grandmother immediately got on the phone, and there was so much joy in her voice. She loved seeing me care for plants—it was an immediate bonding conversation. I quickly realized the sense of calm and nostalgia I felt from houseplants was because of her, catching glimpses of her so happy and calm —without words— plants are not just something we grow, but something we care for, something we build relationships with. Plants are medicine. They cleanse the air, restore energy, soothe the spirit, and are a reminder to be present and they did all of that for me.

After years of plant care, it was time for me to pollinate my purpose. From that season of growth, Peace Love Plants was born. More than a business, it’s a movement—one rooted in healing, community, and accessibility. I believe everyone has a green thumb; sometimes, you just need the right conditions to thrive. Through consultations, plant shopping, plant maintenance, plantscaping, and educational workshops, I help individuals, businesses, and organizations cultivate spaces that nourish the soul.

I’m here to get into the weeds of doubt that keep people—specifically Black and Brown people—from growing and pull them out, one by one, so they can thrive. Just like the women before me, I’m here to sow into others, knowing that with care, patience, knowledge, and accessibility, we all have the ability to bloom.