Rooted in Wellness: Discover DC's New Black Owned Oasis Grounded w/ Plants, Coffee, and Self-Care
Tucked away in the heart of Anacostia is Grounded, a unique sanctuary where wellness, nature, and community converge. Founded by Mignon Hemsley and Danuelle Doswell, this innovative space combines a plant shop, café, and wellness studio, redefining urban wellness in a refreshing way.
Located at 1913 Martin Luther King Jr. Ave SE, Grounded is more than just a retail destination; it’s a serene oasis designed for relaxation and rejuvenation. This welcoming environment encourages visitors to breathe, connect, and recharge, all while surrounded by lush greenery and biophilic design.
Grounded’s mission began during the pandemic as an e-commerce platform aimed at reconnecting people with nature to enhance mental clarity, emotional well-being, and creativity. After a lot of hard work and dedication, the vision has blossomed into a physical space. Doswell expresses their purpose beautifully: “Our vision has always been about creating a space where people can slow down, reconnect with nature, and elevate their wellness. Opening in Anacostia feels like a dream come true.”
At the heart of Grounded is its thoughtfully curated plant shop, featuring a wide variety of houseplants that can invigorate any space. The knowledgeable team of Plant Specialists is available to guide customers in integrating greenery into their homes and offices. They even offer Planterior Design Services, bringing their expertise directly to clients’ spaces.
For Mignon Hemsley, the opening of Grounded is especially meaningful. “I attended high school in Anacostia, and launching Grounded here feels like a full-circle moment for me. This neighborhood has shaped me in so many ways, and I’m thrilled to give back by creating a space for the healing power of nature and community.”
Adjacent to the plant shop, the Grounded Café serves as both a community hub and a showcase for plant-based nutrition. The fully vegan menu highlights artisanal coffees sourced from the woman-owned farm Manos de Mujer in Guatemala, as well as high-grade matcha from Kettl, the first U.S.-based Japanese tea brand. Visitors can indulge in a variety of plant-based pastries and signature toasts, including avocado, banana, strawberry, and a vegan version of salmon lox.
Grounded’s commitment to holistic wellness extends beyond plants and nutrition. The on-site Wellness Studio offers a range of practices designed to nourish the mind, body, and spirit. From yoga and meditation to breathwork, sound bowl therapy, reiki, and Pilates, the classes focus on fostering gratitude, abundance, and mindfulness.
Founded on Earth Day 2020, Hemsley and Doswell started Grounded as an e-commerce platform dedicated to reconnecting people with nature. Over the past four years, they’ve shipped over 30,000 plants across the U.S. and collaborated with over 100 organizations, including tech giants like Google and Meta, to bring the benefits of greenery into corporate environments.
Now, with their first physical location, Grounded is poised to elevate its mission even further. The space serves as a community hub where people can work, relax, and connect. With ample seating and Wi-Fi available, it’s an ideal spot for remote work or study sessions, all within the calming presence of plants.
For Anacostia and the wider D.C. area, Grounded is a remarkable addition—a Black-owned business dedicated to uplifting the community. By prioritizing wellness, connection, and the healing power of nature, Hemsley and Doswell are planting seeds of change that promise to flourish.
Step inside Grounded, and you’ll be embraced by an atmosphere of tranquility. Designed in collaboration with Drummond Projects, the space features natural elements such as integrated planter boxes, concrete and rock accents, rich wood materials, and soothing green hues.
It’s a masterclass in biophilic design, harmonizing the relationship between people and their environment.
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