Owner Sara Rose Bryant in front of her new botanical shop, Plant Family
Tucked in a tiny storefront in residential Olde Uptown is a new shop focused on bringing wellness to Harrisburg through nature.
Plant Family opened on Friday with windows displaying vibrant green houseplants and shelves stocked with natural medicines, herbs and elixirs.
“In my opinion, every city has a great herb shop,” said owner Sara Rose Bryant, a Harrisburg resident. “I want to provide access to things that people don’t have.”
Her shop at 1820 N. 3rd St. fills a gap that she sees by providing products that are hard to find in the area. While it was easy for her to find herbs when she lived in Seattle, it’s not as simple here, she said.
“I see there’s a need for it,” she said. “People want to know about the plants and how to take care of themselves.”
Bryant strives to source many of her products locally and from places on the east coast. Some of her natural medicines are even made by her and her business partner, Tara Chickey, who operate under the name Sacred Spiral Apothecary.
“This is exactly what we need at this time in our lives,” said Chickey, who attended the opening. “It’s such a welcoming space and she has an amazing selection. I think people are going to be really impressed.”
Products offered at Plant Family
In addition to herbs and plants, the shop offers salves, CBD products, coffee alternatives, mugs, tonics, bath salts, candles and woven African baskets.
“It’s things that will help the community,” she said. “It’s empowering to have the skills to take care of yourself and other people.”
For three days out of the week, Bryant will use the space as a massage studio, as she has worked as a massage therapist for over 20 years. She also previously owned Yoga Nature studio in Linglestown.
For Plant Family’s opening day, James Crosson, who lives in the neighborhood, stopped by. He was glad to find natural and organic items, but also was happy to see the building revitalized.
“I love what they’re doing here,” he said. “It’s really cool.”
Plant Family is open Thursdays and Fridays, from 2 to 6 p.m. and Saturdays, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. For their grand opening this weekend, they will be open on Friday from 2 to 7 p.m. and on Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. There will also be an online shop, coming soon. For more information, visit their website.
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