Bree Clarke Provides Peace and Purpose Through Plants
Bree Clarke Provides Peace and Purpose Through Plants
By: Ari Christine
Black women can do anything, create something out of nothing and cultivate purpose in empty spaces. This narrative has proven true time and time again in the work of Bree Clarke, owner of The Plant Project.
In 2020, Clarke put all her plants into one basket – left her corporate job and birthed a botanical boutique masterpiece. The objective was to celebrate community, culture and plants. In the middle of Uptown Dallas awaits an experience rooted in love and peace.
Clarke is both a plant and floral expert and the first Black woman to own a plant shop in the State of Texas.
“I grew up not seeing any Black women own nurseries and plant shops, but I saw my mother and grandmother living in those spaces,” Clarke shares. “Being able to create this experience and give something that is innately, and a part of my makeup means so much to me.”
To walk into The Plant Project is not simply an introduction to an array of plants. This space is by no means the typical plant shop. The plants are designed, placed and styled as if they are already in your home or in your friend’s home. The entire experience begins the moment you walk through the doors – you’re pleasantly hit with undeniably pleasant scents and sounds.
“Plants are living things,” Clarke reminds. “They like to hear music; they like to be talked to and danced for – so that’s the experience you get when you first enter.”
Frequenters of The Plant Project are never bombarded with questions about the type of plant they’re wanting or inquiries about lifestyle and how such may not be conducive to certain plants. Instead, visitors should always expect to be greeted with by a sincere plant and life enthusiast in Clarke. She wants to check in on those who visit and provide an experience wrapped in such intention that it creates a core memory.
Clarke made it a purpose to grow The Plant Project in one of the many bungalows that sit in Uptown Dallas. It is a house, with a full kitchen and a yard. Walking into the shop truly feels like coming home. The second location is in Clarke’s hometown of Houston and is also situated in a bungalow. The Houston location, however, has a more traditional storefront.
“It was November of 2020 when we opened The Plant Project and such a frightening time in the world,” Clarke shares. “I wanted to create a space where everyone could come together, no matter who you are, your color, ethnicity, or background – I wanted every person to feel a sense of belonging. I felt that especially in Dallas, we didn’t have a space like that where people could connect and feel at ease.
Clarke had a goal of what she wanted to profit each week. The shop was only open from noon to 5 p.m., Tuesday – Saturday. She wanted to make sure that she had time to spend with her family.
While the business was truly an act of love for Clarke during the height of the unforgettable Covid-19 pandemic, as her goals came to fruition - she was quickly
reminded of the demands of a successful business. Soon, she had lines wrapped around her building. People were in search of peace and her unique shop was the answer.
The Plant Project grew in popularity so quickly that three years ago her husband Carlos left his career to work with the company full time. Together they oversee several dynamics of The Plant Project, including retail, shipping and commercial and corporate accounts. Their collaborative ventures include marketing the business, caring for the plants, delivering the plants to their new homes and even installing them in corporate locations, high-rises, retail stores and more. Not only do they install the plants, but they also cultivate them on a weekly and monthly basis.
Bree and Carlos are happy to share this innovative plant space with their twin 13-year- old sons, both of whom are incredibly proud to host different plant-inspired events designed for young people.
Because The Plant Project is rooted in the community and designed to bring people of all walks of life to this peaceful abode, Clarke has made it a practice to host plant-inspired events. “Plants and Prosecco” started in Houston in 2021 and is now a staple in Dallas. She’s also known to lead plant pop ups, featuring botanical plants. “Plantchella” is a growing green three-day festival. “Casa Bloom,” according to Clarke is the perfect complement for a good date night.
“I want people to believe in second chances,” Clarke says. “Plants represent life. They’re part of our journey. We are a place where we know in order to GROW we must ROOT for one another.”