Huntsville plant shop owner emphasizes community through safe space in store

HUNTSVILLE, Ala. (WHNT) — A top priority in retail is sales, but the owner of houseplant store Botanica, says fostering community is equally as important.

For years, Kitt Campbell has found solace in her work with plants.

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“I actually started in plants about 13 years ago when I had my first kid. We started with outdoor stuff and I loved it so much I wanted to bring it in,” she said.

She worked at Botanica for two years before becoming the store’s owner. Once she gained control of the space, she knew she wanted to make some changes.

“I just really tried to create less of a shopping experience and more of a community experience,” Campbell said.

In addition to plant swaps and workshops, Botanica offers a comfortable space for anyone to slip away from the troubles of the world.

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“The shop is a safe space for anybody who needs it. If you want to come in and talk, come in and talk! If you don’t, then you’re welcomed to just come in and sit.”

The centerpiece of the store is Campbell’s curated lounge: complete with soft lighting, couches, pillows, books and even a desk.

“The lounge is an area where if you work from home or if you have a bad day, you’re welcome to come in and hang out. No obligations; just bring coffee, bring tea, bring a book, just come hang out.”

She said the mission to create this kind of place is personal.

“I never really felt like I had a place to go that I belonged or felt comfortable in and when I was renovating the back, people were like ‘you should put a speakeasy, you should put this’ and I was like, ‘no I just really want something that Huntsville doesn’t have yet.’”

Thanks to Campbell, Huntsville has this one-of-a-kind space now.

“If I can share my solace with anyone, for any reason – doesn’t matter what it is, I will be happy to do that,” she said.

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