Megan Nance started selling plants on the patio of the current Root to Rise Plant Co. location in 2023, which was a previously a boutique. The business officially took over the whole space in last spring. (Katlynn Fox/Community Impact)
After a career as a licensed clinical social worker, Root to Rise Plant Co. owner Megan Nance is looking for ways to integrate horticulture into health care.
How it happened
Nance fell in love with plants as a young girl, spending time in her mother’s garden in the Midwest. She later wanted to study floral design and horticulture in school, but ultimately pursued health care.
“I was really never able to let go of that call for plants and horticulture,” Nance said. “And I always wanted to start my own business.”
Nance and her husband Collins officially opened Root to Rise last spring after selling at markets and events for years prior. The shop specializes in indoor and seasonal plants. The spring selection will include Texas natives, cacti, large succulents, herbs, vegetables and outdoor plants.
“I love it because you're bringing the outdoors in, you're bringing nature inside,” Nance said. “Every home, business, school, institution needs to have some life.”
Root to Rise Plant Co. doesn’t have a nursery or greenhouse. The owners currently source plants from Florida, but are trying to grow their own stock. (Katlynn Fox/Community Impact)
Nonplant offerings include clothing items and accessories, Western-inspired attire, ceramics, gifts and vintage items. The curated selection comes from local vendors Nance met while participating in markets and events.
“We are competing with the big box stores [and] we can't get close to their pricing on things like plants,” Nance said. “So we want to give people an experience where they come here and even if they're not a plant person, they can appreciate the local art or the local makers.”
Root to Rise welcomes three new artisans in March, bringing hand-poured candles, repurposed clothing, essential oils and natural skin care to the plant store.
Dig deeper
The business also offers a variety of services, including repotting, plant styling, plant rentals for events, and plant maintenance.
The shop also hosts local events in the shared space behind the brick and mortar, which the business shares with Rose and Dagger Coffee Company and other businesses. Nance hosts Rooted Wellness Mornings every second Sunday with yoga, wellness pop-ups and plant deals as a way to engage with the community.
Megan Nance’s favorite plant is the hibiscus because it reminds her of her mom’s garden. Looking ahead, she’s interested in offering more florals at the shop. (Katlynn Fox/Community Impact)
Learn more
In addition to monthly events, the Nances also host plant therapy workshops with nonprofits, veterans, residential treatment homes, schools and assisted living facilities. Nance is currently working on earning her plant therapist certification.
What’s next
In the future, Nance hopes to start a nonprofit organization and establish a community garden downtown with a focus on accessibility, bringing horticulture therapy to Georgetown.
Nance has experience working in different hospital and hospice settings alongside children with disabilities who have responded to working with nature.
“They're able to calm, self-soothe, [and] connect with something and grow something,” Nance said. “They love it. [It’s] very powerful how you can reach so many different people at different levels—no matter where they are.”
Quote of note
“We're more than just a plant shop,” Nance said. “We have events, we support local artists, we have a coffee shop here [and] we do wellness programs. We're really trying to just add to the heart and soul of this town.”
