HAMPTON-Deep Roots Greenery opened its first storefront last month in downtown Hampton. Located at 5 West Queens Way, Suite 102, the shop carries unique plants, handmade pottery, and gifts made by local artisans.
Alicia Abdullah-Sears and Dennis Bugey, both retired military veterans, turned their love of plant cultivation into an online business in February. The couple began selling their plants and accessories at Yorktown Market Days last spring, and developed a profitable enterprise over the summer months.
Abdullah-Sears said they were testing the waters to see how truly sustainable the venture would be and if there was a market for customers as enthusiastic as they were about plants.
“Things went very well, better than expected,” said Abdullah-Sears. “We were there almost every Saturday until the market ended in September.”
Accepting their success as more than beginner’s luck, the owners attributed a surge in plant popularity due to the fact that many people were staying home and concentrating on beautifying their living spaces and outdoor gardens during the pandemic.
“It was basically a boom for plants, because it really gave people therapeutic outlets and something to care for while they weren’t going out as much,” said Bugey.
The shop specializes in rare and exotic plants as well as more common plants such as aloe. Air plants are a fan favorite, especially the Tillandsia xerographica, which can grow to 38 inches in diameter. “They’re definitely a best seller because nothing about an air plant makes sense,” said Abdullah-Sears.
The partners are steadfast on supporting local artists, musicians, and creatives and sell handcrafted plant accessories and candles in addition to other items. “We’re partnering with four different pottery studios between Norfolk and Richmond for our handmade pottery,” said Bugey. Their goal is to sell 100-percent Virginia-made items within the next few years. “We really want everything in our store to be touched by a Virginian,” Bugey said.
Deep Roots Greenery is open Tuesday through Thursday from 10am to 6pm; Friday and Saturday from 10am to 7pm; and closed Sunday and Monday. For more information, please visit their website at www.deeprootsgreenery.com.