Rooted in well-being: DC’s new Black-owned oasis combines plants, coffee and body care – the essence

Something special is taking root in the heart of Anacostia. And no, this is not just one other brunch spot or nightclub.

Groundedfounded by Mignon Hemsley and Danuelle Doswell, redefines urban wellness with a groundbreaking concept that combines a plant shop, café and wellness studio in one space.

Grounded, situated at 1913 Martin Luther King Jr Ave SE, is greater than only a store – it’s a sanctuary where the healing power of nature combines with the art of self-care. This revolutionary third space invites guests to breathe, connect and recharge in an environment that seamlessly combines biophilic design with community-focused well-being.

Deeply rooted in reconnecting individuals with nature to advertise mental clarity, emotional well-being and creativity, Grounded’s mission began during the pandemic as an e-commerce platform. Through what is bound to be plenty of blood, sweat and tears, it has now evolved right into a physical space that embodies their therapeutic philosophy.

Says Doswell: “Our vision has always been to create a space where people can slow down, reconnect with nature to improve their well-being and feel grounded. “Opening this location in Anacostia is a dream come true as we expand this mission into the community that inspires us.”

Step into Grounded and you may immediately be enveloped in an environment of calm. Designed in collaboration with Drummond Projects, the space features natural elements similar to integrated planter boxes, concrete and rock accents, wealthy wood materials and soothing green tones. This is a masterclass in biophilic design, creating harmony between people and their surroundings.

At the heart of Grounded is the plant shop, offering a curated collection of potted plants that bring life and vitality to any space. But this is not any unusual plant shop. Grounded’s team of plant specialists are available to assist customers integrate greenery into their homes and offices in a way that enhances well-being. They even offer plantation design services, bringing their expertise on to clients’ spaces.

For Mignon Hemsley, chief operating officer and creative director, this opening is especially significant. “I went to highschool in Anacostia and launching Grounded here was a full circle moment for me. This neighborhood has shaped me in so some ways, and I’m excited to provide back by making a space where people can experience the healing power of nature and community.

Located next to the plant shop, the Grounded Café serves as each a community center and a showcase for plant-based nutrition. The fully vegan menu features artisan coffees sourced from Manos de Mujer, a women-owned farm in Guatemala, and roasted by Others Coffee. Visitors also can taste high-quality matcha from Kettl, the first Japanese tea brand based in the U.S., in addition to a wide range of herbal teas. The café offers a collection of plant-based cakes and signature toasts, including avocado, banana, strawberry and a vegan version of salmon.

But Grounded’s commitment to holistic wellness doesn’t end with plants and nutrition. The on-site Wellness Studio offers a big selection of practices designed to nourish the mind, body and spirit. From yoga and meditation to breathwork, singing bowl therapy, reiki and pilates, studio classes concentrate on developing gratitude, abundance and mindfulness.

This holistic approach to well-being will not be accidental. Hemsley and Doswell founded Grounded on Earth 2020, starting as an e-commerce platform with a mission to reconnect individuals with nature. Over the past 4 years, they’ve shipped over 30,000 plants across the United States and partnered with over 100 organizations, including tech giants similar to Google and Meta, to bring the advantages of greenery to corporate spaces.

Now, with its first physical location, Grounded is able to take its mission to the next level. This space serves not only as a retail environment, but in addition as a community center where people can work, chill out and connect. With loads of seating and Wi-Fi, it’s the perfect place for distant work or study sessions, surrounded by the calming presence of plants.

For Anacostia and the broader DC area, Grounded represents something truly unique: a Black-owned business that not only serves the community, but actively works to uplift it. By making a space that prioritizes well-being, connection and the healing power of nature, Hemsley and Doswell plant seeds of change that promise to grow into something beautiful.