If you’re not among the 7 in 10 millennials who call themselves plant parents, you might have walked right past a small shop in Needham center with a stylish array of indoor greenery. Weslie Pierre, owner of the plant design studio Wesleaf Designs & Décor, understands.
“A lot of people think they are not plant people,” said Pierre, a self-taught gardener and designer. “But we customize the experience, finding the right plant for your personality.”
Wesleaf is the result of Pierre’s experience growing vegetables, then creating designs with indoor plants and sharing them on Instagram during the pandemic. Friends and followers began asking her to style plant decor for them, and soon she had a thriving business.
“We customize our services for individuals and companies,” said Pierre. “Some people just want help with repotting a plant. Others may need plant decor for an event like a shower or a wedding, and we will rent them. We work with interior designers who need plants for a project. We’re very niche.”
Pierre’s plant design studio at 1020 Great Plain Ave. opened as a pop-up in 2021 through the UpNext program and its Project: Pop-Up, funded by grants from the Massachusetts Office of Business Development. Needham participated in the state program to support bringing businesses back to storefronts following the pandemic.
What began as a temporary shop is still going strong after more than two years. Wesleaf was recently recognized as a Banner Business by the Boston Celtics Small Business of the Game program with Vistaprint for making an impact in the community. Pierre said the honor was unexpected. “I don’t follow the Celtics. They found me.”
At the award event she received a jersey with her company’s name from Celtics 2023 draft pick Jordan Walsh.
She’s also been featured on HGTV’s Handmade channel and has written a guidebook to keeping plants alive called The Modern Plant Parent. Pierre handles plant care, workshops and design services on weekdays. Her Needham store is open Saturdays and Sundays.
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