Flora & Fauna: A Pioneer Square Gem Struggles Amidst Economic Downturn
Despite experiencing sluggish sales, Flora & Fauna owner Ashley Palmer is optimistic about her future but is calling out for community support to push through the next few months.
By Omari Salisbury - #SupportBlackBusiness
Seattle's Pioneer Square, a neighborhood steeped in history and charm, is home to a unique and vibrant business called Flora & Fauna. This one-of-a-kind shop offers a delightful blend of plants, vinyl records, and eco-friendly home goods, creating an inviting atmosphere that fosters a sense of community.
Ashley Palmer, the passionate owner of Flora & Fauna, recently sat down with me to discuss her business, her inspirations, and the challenges she's currently facing amidst a sluggish economy.
A Passion for Plants and Music
Ashley's journey into the world of plants began unexpectedly eight years ago in Houston, Texas, when her best friend gifted her a houseplant. "I fell in love," she recalls, and that love blossomed into a thriving business.
Flora & Fauna is located in the historic Pioneer Building (opened in 1892) with a focus on houseplants and flower bouquets, but Ashley's vision expanded as she sought to create a more immersive experience for her customers. "I just thought to myself, how can we make this an experience for people and curate products that everyone is going to really love in their homes," she explains. This led to the inclusion of vinyl records and eco-friendly goods, reflecting Ashley's passion for music and her commitment to sustainability.
Besa Gordon, host of the TV show Back2Besa on FOX 13 and FOX SOUL stopped by to purchase some plants and learn more about Flora & Fauna from Ashley as part of Converge Media’s #SupportBlackBusiness campaign.
A Welcoming Space with a Vintage Vibe
Stepping into Flora & Fauna is like entering a carefully curated oasis. "A beautifully curated collection of vinyl records, plants for their home or office, and eco-friendly goods for their homes in a beautiful vintage setting," Ashley describes, "and one of the most historic buildings in downtown Seattle."
Although Flora & Fauna is three years old, Ashley emphasized that the Pioneer Square location is new this year, having relocated from the Stanwood/Camano area to be closer to their target audience. "Pioneer Square is our new home. We just opened this location this year after a long 8 months of revitalizing the space to highlight its captivating historical aesthetics and charm. We relocated to downtown Seattle to find and be near more of our people, folks who are passionate about plants, music, sustainable living, and most of all, community," she says.
The shop's warm and inviting ambiance encourages visitors to linger and soak up the good vibes. As Ashley puts it, "We want you to lounge and feel comfortable in our space."
Community and Connection
Community is at the heart of Flora & Fauna. Ashley fosters a sense of connection through "plant nights," where people gather to create plant-based crafts and share their love for all things green. These events at the shop and in partnership with other local businesses have become popular for plant enthusiasts to connect and learn.
More Than Just Plants
While plants are undoubtedly the stars of the show, Flora & Fauna offer much more than just greenery. The shop boasts an impressive selection of vinyl records, carefully curated by Ashley herself. "I have been passionate about music since I was a very small child," she shares.
In addition to plants and vinyl, the shop carries a range of eco-friendly home goods, apparel, and books, all thoughtfully chosen to align with Ashley's commitment to sustainability.
Ashley has curated an eclectic venial collection for all the music lovers out there.
Challenges and Uncertainty
Despite its unique appeal and strong sense of community, Flora & Fauna is not immune to the economic challenges facing many small businesses today. "Sales are very slow. Foot traffic is very slow," Ashley reveals, "and those of us who are right in the thick of it are really starting to feel the brunt of all of the pressure."
The slowdown in business has been particularly pronounced during the fall and winter months, which are typically slower for plant-based businesses. Ashley remains hopeful that the upcoming spring and summer seasons will bring a much-needed boost in sales.
A Call for Community Support
In the face of these challenges, Ashley is reaching out to the community for support. "We could really use some of our community to come in and, you know, just kind of show us the love during these slow times," she says.
Flora & Fauna is a labor of love, a reflection of Ashley's passions, and a valuable contributor to the Pioneer Square community. By supporting this unique business, you're not only investing in a local entrepreneur but also helping to preserve a vital part of Seattle's cultural fabric.
A Hopeful Future
Despite the current economic headwinds, Ashley remains optimistic about the future of Flora & Fauna. "We're always happy to see you when you come through the door," she says, extending a warm invitation to all. "We're all about community here and fostering community."
With its unique blend of products, welcoming atmosphere, and a strong sense of community, Flora & Fauna is a Pioneer Square gem that deserves our support.
Visit Flora & Fauna today and discover the beauty and joy of plants, music, and eco-friendly living. Fauna & Flora is a Buy Black Card business.
Flora & Fauna
106 James Street
Seattle, WA 98104
#SupportBlackBusiness
