New Store Opening in Raleigh
Megan George, owner of The ZEN Succulent, posing in the Durham storefront with one of her handcrafted terrariums.
Y'all, we have some exciting news to share!
You may have already heard or seen on our website or Insta that we are opening a new shop in downtown Raleigh. To get the scoop on the new digs, we sat down over the weekend with our fearless leader, Megan. Keep reading to learn about The ZEN Succulent brand and when you can come check out our new space.
ZEN Beginnings
After graduating from business school at UNC-Greensboro, Megan soon found that the 9 to 5 shtick wasn't really for her. As she climbed the corporate ladder, she realized that instead of contributing to someone else's goals, she found it more satisfying to learn to work for herself and her own goals, while nurturing her creativity. Thus, in 2012, began The ZEN Succulent, an Etsy site where Megan sold handcrafted terrariums. A few years later, in May 2016, she jumped on the opportunity to open a store front in downtown Durham.
One of Megan's favorite parts of owning a neighborhood plant shop is watching creativity and confidence flourish in her customers, especially kids.
Megan says she developed her love of plants from her father, who would take her to the Raleigh Farmer's Market and other garden shops on weekends. Her love of plants is rooted in those experiences growing up. "Plants slowed us down," she explains. "Walking that big avenue in the Farmer's Market with my dad, there was so much to see and take in. It just slowed our pace and we were able to really enjoy our time together."
Vibes is Right
Megan's love of plants and slowing down was a perfect fit for Durham. "We have been able to incubate and foster this idea of curation and community with the shop," something she admits couldn't be accomplished online. Having a brick and mortar store allowed Megan to expand not only her product lines, but service delivery as well. The shop has become a neighborhood staple, a place for folks to come hang out, learn about plants, touch and feel, as well as make something at the DIY Terrarium Bar or in a workshop.
“The idea behind having a shop in Raleigh is to continue to foster a sense of community around creating, like we have with our Durham location. For example, I could totally see people coming in on their lunch to get some plant therapy, to slow down and get a creative reprieve or even to just make something for a friend who might be having a hard time.”
Megan is hopeful this community approach will resonate with locals in Raleigh, as it has in Durham. "The idea behind having a shop in Raleigh is to continue to foster a sense of community around creating, like we have with our Durham location. For example, I could totally see people coming in on their lunch to get some plant therapy, to slow down and get a creative reprieve or even to just make something for a friend who might be having a hard time," she says.
The ZEN Succulent Raleigh will feature an expanded DIY Terrarium Bar, with more seating and room to get messy.
From Durham to Raleigh
Megan is a woman of opportunity, another quality she learned from her dad. "Strike while the iron is hot," she advises. And that's exactly how the shop in Raleigh came to be.
"It was really meant to be," she explains. "I called a relator benignly to see what was out there and it just sort of came together." The store front is part of the same building that housed the historic Raleigh Times, which has since been converted to a bar and restaurant by the same name after the newspaper ceased production in 1989. "I love that we are in an historic building, like our shop in Durham. It feels like we are 'part of' and get to grow with our neighbors."
With 300 more square feet, The ZEN Succulent Raleigh boasts more room for large plants, like the ever popular split-leaf philodendron (Monstera deliciosa).
The Raleigh location is a cozy space with hardwood floors, high ceilings and large windows for natural light. Megan is stocking the store with diverse merchandise and expanding product lines sold in the Durham shop, such as Southern Elegance Candle Company and Lavende Farm. The shop will also feature thoughtfully made home goods, such as planters, stands and hangers, as well as gifts such as jewelry. "I'm excited to see what products resonate with folks in Raleigh," she explains. With an agile business model, Megan is poised to provide customers with what they want, a tenant of her business. "We are constantly creating, growing, changing and building." Just like her beloved plants.
You'll find more than just plants at The ZEN Succulent Raleigh, such as North Carolina themed candles from the Southern Elegance Candle Company.
Come See Us Starting July 11
The ZEN Succulent in Raleigh will have a soft opening on July 11.
A grand opening ceremony, complete with a ribbon cutting to mark the occasion, will follow on August 3 from 6:30 to 8 pm. All are welcome; those attending First Friday are especially encouraged to stop by. Light refreshments and signature cocktails will be served, and the shop will be offering some celebratory discounts on air plants, the DIY Terrarium Bar and more.
Hours
Monday - Tuesday Closed
Wednesday - Saturday 11am - 7pm
Sunday 12 noon - 5pm
Location
The ZEN Succulent Raleigh is located in the heart of downtown Raleigh at 218 S Wilmington St.
1-hour on street metered parking in front of store and nearby blocks are available.
Follow @thezensucculent on Instagram for updates and be sure to peep our stories for sneak peeks at the new shop!