Home LifeNature and the Environment Black Love & Plants: A Plant Store Cultivating Love, Relationships, and Community
Nature and the Environment

Black Love & Plants: A Plant Store Cultivating Love, Relationships, and Community

by Jasmine
written by Jasmine

Black Love & Plants: A Plant Store with a Mission

About Black Love & Plants

Black Love & Plants is a unique plant store and project founded by Shanel Kennedy, a stay-at-home mom of two. Inspired by the love within the plant community and the Black community, the store promotes the idea that love extends to the Black plant community as well. Kennedy’s goal is to create a legacy through her business that her children can be proud of.

The Inspiration Behind Black Love & Plants

Kennedy started Black Love & Plants because she noticed a lack of representation of how plants impact relationships outside of oneself within the plant community. As she cared for her plants, she realized that she was learning valuable lessons that could be applied to her real-life relationships.

Through a series of interviews on Instagram, Kennedy explores the impact of plants on relationships in the Black community. She chats with couples, parents and children, friend groups, and individuals about how plants have taught them lessons, helped them find new relationships, and even shown them the importance of letting go of relationships that no longer serve them.

The Benefits of Plants for Relationships

Plants can have a profound impact on our relationships. Kennedy shares some of the benefits she has experienced:

  • Improved communication: Caring for plants requires attention to their specific needs. This translates to better communication skills in relationships, as individuals learn to listen and understand each other’s unique requirements.
  • Strengthened bonds: Plants can bring people together and create shared experiences. Caring for a plant as a family or couple can foster a sense of connection and gemeinsamen Zielsetzung.
  • Increased joy and well-being: Plants bring beauty and life into our homes. They can also improve our mood and reduce stress levels, creating a more positive environment for relationships.

Shanel Kennedy’s Plant Care Journey

Kennedy’s journey with plants began at a young age with her grandmother, who was an avid gardener. She always had plants on her desk at work, but it wasn’t until 2020 that she started collecting plants in earnest. After a period of depression, she restarted her plant collection in 2021, focusing on low-maintenance, easy-care plants that spark joy.

Today, Kennedy has over 80 plants, including a hoya ‘Krimson Princess’ and a philodendron ‘McColley’s Finale’. She loves the drama-free nature of the latter and the beautiful variegation of the former.

The Importance of Plant Care

For Kennedy, plant care is more than just a hobby. It’s a way to connect with nature, find moments of calm, and express her creativity. She believes that by sharing her passion for plants, she can inspire others to experience the benefits of plant care.

Black Love & Plants Live

Kennedy hosts a live show on Instagram called Black Love & Plants Live every Sunday in February at 6:30pm EST. The show features interviews with Black plant parents and explores the intersection of plants, relationships, and the Black community.

How to Support Black Love & Plants

You can support Black Love & Plants by:

  • Visiting the website and making a purchase
  • Following Black Love & Plants on Instagram
  • Watching Black Love & Plants Live
  • Sharing the project with others who may be interested

By supporting Black Love & Plants, you are not only investing in a unique and inspiring business, but also contributing to the celebration of Black love and the power of plants.

Jasmine's journey began with a camera in hand and a heart brimming with stories. The world, for her, wasn't just a collection of sights and sounds; it was a vibrant tapestry woven with intricate details, each one waiting to be captured and explored. This inherent curiosity naturally led her to the written word, where she discovered the power of language to weave narratives that resonated with the soul. Jasmine's articles in LifeScienceArt's life section are a testament to this synergy. Her words dance across the page, painting vivid pictures that transport readers to the heart of the experience. Whether it's the quiet contemplation sparked by a morning sunrise or the electrifying energy of a bustling city street, Jasmine has an uncanny ability to translate the essence of a moment into words that resonate. But Jasmine's talents extend far beyond the written word. With a keen eye for detail and a photographer's soul, she sees the world through a unique lens. Her photographs are more than just snapshots; they're windows into hidden emotions and unspoken narratives. A single image, captured with Jasmine's signature touch, can evoke a kaleidoscope of feelings, prompting introspection and igniting a sense of wonder in the viewer. The way she plays with light and shadow, or the way she finds beauty in the ordinary, speaks volumes about her artistic vision. It's clear that Jasmine doesn't just see the world; she feels it, deeply and passionately. This depth of feeling is evident in her writing as well. Jasmine's articles are infused with a raw honesty that connects with readers on a personal level. She doesn't shy away from exploring the complexities of life, the joys and sorrows, the triumphs and failures that we all experience. But even when tackling difficult topics, there's an underlying optimism in her words, a belief in the inherent resilience of the human spirit. Jasmine's writing encourages readers to embrace the full spectrum of life's experiences, to find beauty in the unexpected, and to navigate the challenges with courage and grace. One gets the sense that Jasmine's own life is a continuous exploration, a constant search for new experiences and perspectives. Whether it's venturing off the beaten path to capture a hidden gem through her lens or delving into the depths of human emotion through her writing, Jasmine thrives on the journey itself. This inherent sense of adventure is infectious, inspiring readers to embark on their own explorations, both internal and external. Jasmine's work isn't just about capturing moments; it's about igniting a spark of curiosity and a desire to live life to the fullest. Perhaps the most captivating aspect of Jasmine's work is the sense of intimacy it evokes. Reading her articles feels like having a conversation with a close friend, someone who understands the nuances of life and isn't afraid to share their vulnerabilities. This ability to connect with readers on a personal level is what makes Jasmine's writing so powerful and enduring. It's a testament to her own authenticity and her genuine desire to connect with others through the magic of words and images.