I spent the past two days completely immersed in my personal garden, a necessary and overdue meditation after the past few weeks getting ready to open The Botany Shop at 909 Portage Avenue. As I ripped out turf to make room for more plants, I scoured the back of my brain for the words to describe what I’ve felt these last few weeks.
Joyfully tumultuous gratitude. Yup, that’s it.
Y’all showed UP for us last week. Opening was a complete whirlwind, and it still feels like my feet haven’t fully touched the ground. When we opened as a pop-up shop in early April at Thyme of Grace, my background anxiety-inducing inner saboteur voice kept asking, “Is this something South Bend wants? Are we on to something, or just faking it? How are we qualified to do this?”
I’ve struggled with that imposter complex for years, and it always rears its head at the most inconvenient time. I’ve gotten better at keeping that voice in check over the years, but when conditions are right, like a wildfire, it can burn out of control. Getting ready to open The Botany Shop, those uncertainties and “what if?” scenarios ran rampant.
By 9pm on Wednesday night, those feelings were gone, replaced by confidence and a newfound energy. More than 125 neighbors and early Botany friends showed up to help welcome us to the Near Northwest Neighborhood. The following night, Social Monet brought another crowd, and with them, more good energy, love, and plant people. Friday and Saturday saw a steady stream of plant lovers of all experiences enter our doors. The inner voices changed.
“I think we’ll be alright. I think we’ll do ok. I think we’ve got this.”
I have a lot of people to thank, and we’re doing it lightning round style before the band plays me off.
Michele, Nichole, and Cassie with Thyme of Grace for allowing us space, time, and grace to find our footing as a pop-up before moving into our own space. And, for the exceptional desserts on opening night.
New friend and neighbor, Ned, for sharing his time, talents, and tools with us.
Ryan with Social Monet for throwing a fabulous plant party and keeping plants cool.
Our musicians for both Wednesday and Thursday evenings, Anna and Clint with Quite Frank Lee, and Dezha Moore and DJ BlackLuxx.
All of our vendors, makers, growers, and artists, new and returning, for keeping us stocked and full of goodness, especially Twixwood nursery for donating our giveaway plants.
You! Our neighbors, friends, and family. Thank you for supporting us.
My parents, Mary and Jerry, and partner Paul, for… well, everything. For putting up with me when I was burned out, short-tempered, grumpy, and manic; for helping set up, stage, and put the finishing touches on every detail; for being my emergency backup and lifeline.
It helps when you cook with the right ingredients. Sometimes it takes a village. Thank you, for being ours.
Onward.