In the heart of Southeast Washington, D.C., a unique sanctuary is taking root. Grounded, initially a plant subscription service launched during the pandemic by Black women entrepreneurs Danuelle Doswell and Mignon Hemsley, is now evolving into a vibrant, physical space in the historic Anacostia neighborhood. Scheduled to open in Spring 2024, this 3,200-square-foot establishment at 1913 Martin Luther King Jr. Ave. SE aims to be more than just a plant shop. It’s envisioned as a holistic haven for community wellness and connection with nature.
This ambitious venture is a culmination of Grounded’s journey, which began as a plant subscription service during the challenging times of the pandemic. The company’s growth has been remarkable, expanding to include an online store offering various plants and accessories. However, the physical space in Anacostia represents a significant milestone, reflecting the founders’ dedication to their community and the environment.
The new location is designed to be a multifaceted oasis. At its core, it remains a plant shop, offering an extensive selection of lush greenery and rare plant specimens. Doswell and Hemsley, keen on sharing their plant expertise, are also introducing a consulting service to help customers curate perfect plant packages for their homes.
However, Grounded’s vision extends beyond flora. The space includes a café, where patrons can enjoy a variety of toasts, pastries, and beverages made from fresh, locally sourced ingredients. This café isn’t just about sustenance; it’s a coworking and social space adorned with greenery and natural light, enhancing productivity and providing a serene spot for the community to gather.
Integral to Grounded is its wellness studio, a tranquil space for yoga, Reiki, meditation, and more. Amidst natural elements, instructors will lead classes promoting healing and mindfulness. The co-founders also plan to host plant workshops, hiking meetups, and foraging lessons, fostering a deeper community bond over shared passions for nature and wellness.
Grounded’s location in Anacostia is intentional. The founders see it as an underserved area, deserving of an oasis where residents can immerse themselves in nature and wellness in their community. This sentiment is echoed by the choice of Drummond Projects, a Black-owned architecture and design firm, to bring the space to life, reinforcing the founders’ commitment to uplifting and investing in the community.
Grounded’s success is not just in its innovative business model but in its community-focused ethos. The future holds exciting plans, including free classes, a nonprofit for outdoor education, a teen hike club, and a pop-up community fridge program to combat food insecurity. Grounded is set to be more than a store; it’s a beacon of community spirit and environmental stewardship in Southeast D.C.
Visit Grounded online here.
