Liv Vayda, founder of B.Willow, opens up about the spark that led her to launch this charming plant shop in Remington. In an interview with The News-Letter, she shares how B. Willow engages with the local community and their commitment to combating illegal plant trade and promoting plant conservation.
The News-Letter: Just to get started with our interview, could you tell me the story behind how B.Willow began?
Liz Vayda: I started B.Willow in 2014. I was really interested in sustainable cities, urban greening and bridging my education — psychology as an undergraduate and environmental science as a master’s degree — to help people understand the benefits of engaging with nature daily, both mentally and physically.
My goal was to make this a career, but job options at the time were limited, so I began brainstorming ways to start something on my own. I started by making terrariums, finding interesting containers from thrift shops and selling them to boutiques around Baltimore. In 2016, I connected with the developer Seawall which led to the opportunity to open the first store in 2017. It’s been evolving ever since.
COURTESY OF B. WILLOW
B. Willow offers a variety of indoor and potted plants for purchase.
N-L: As a female-owned business, B.Willow has built a very unique team. Could you share what the experience has been like working together?
LV: I’ve been working with different people since 2015. Being an employer, especially for a small team, is incredibly rewarding. I’ve been there for employees’ weddings and other significant life moments, which creates a special bond with those who dedicate their time, energy and passion to what we do.
I always feel a deep sense of gratitude that people care enough about what I’m trying to achieve to work alongside me. It’s really special. We’ve hired people from a variety of backgrounds, not just art school or corporate retail, and that diversity has been key to our growth.
N-L: Were there any challenges you faced during the early stages, and how did you overcome them?
LV: One of the biggest challenges was transitioning from a solo project to managing employees and making bigger financial decisions. Initially, I was impulsive, which helped in getting started but also led to expanding too quickly. For example, I opened two additional locations in 2019 which became overwhelming. I’ve since learned a lot about pacing growth.
N-L: Do you have any advice for aspiring female business owners?
LV: Society often expects a lot from women, not always understanding the many roles we play. But it’s important to learn to say “no.” Women naturally want to care for and support others, but that can be overwhelming, especially in a job that requires passion and attention.
It’s crucial to be mindful of your own boundaries, recognizing that it’s not just about your business. You also have yourself to take care of, along with possibly children, partners, relatives or friends.
N-L: Let’s move on to the day-to-day at B.Willow. I imagine you’ve encountered many beginners looking to start horticulture as a hobby. How do you recommend plant types and setups for someone without prior experience?
LV: First and foremost, knowing how to assess the type of light in a space is critical — whether it's direct sunlight, bright indirect, medium indirect or low light. Understanding your light levels is essential because it determines which plants will thrive.
I also recommend starting small rather than going overboard with a large collection. It’s easy to buy many plants and then struggle to care for them. I suggest focusing on one plant family or genus at a time to master their care.
Additionally, learning about the plants' native habitats is important — whether they’re climbers, top canopy dwellers or prefer shady, wetter areas. Ask these questions when shopping, whether at a boutique or a nursery: what are the plant's growth habits? What is its preferred light? Will it survive in your space?
N-L: B.Willow has hosted various events like potting workshops, goods markets and even baby showers. Could you share a memorable moment from one of these events?
LV: Man, we’ve done so many events. One special one was a wedding photo shoot. A couple visited different businesses in the area as part of their wedding ceremony, and we were one of the stops. It was a creative and meaningful idea.
It’s always gratifying to see how people use the space in unique ways. It’s more meaningful to me when people engage with the space rather than just making a purchase. That’s something we’re trying to promote more — experiences over transactions.
COURTESY OF B. WILLOW
B. Willow also hosts workshops on building terrariums—miniature environments housed in charming glass containers!
N-L: The Remington community is known for its close-knit network of small businesses. How does B.Willow engage with this ecosystem?
LV: I’d say we’ve been a pioneer in that aspect, being one of the first boutique retail spaces to open up. I’ve taken a leadership role in building connections — creating a literal map of the neighborhood, planning events and laying the groundwork for collaboration.
Since more businesses have opened, we’ve seen greater involvement, with others wanting to bring more people into the neighborhood. Remington has a strong resident community, but there’s always room to welcome more people from outside. I’m always working with other businesses and the local business association to foster collaboration.
N-L: I’d like to discuss your efforts in plant conservation. With the growing popularity of houseplants, the black market for rare plants has also emerged. How does B.Willow ensure legal sourcing and what steps have you taken to combat the illegal plant trade in Baltimore?
LV: Education is key. Ensuring people understand that — like any industry — there are illegal aspects to the plant trade. Some people perceive the plant world as innocent, but it’s a form of large-scale agriculture with environmental issues, including poaching and ecological damage.
We partner with organizations like the Center for Plant Conservation (CPC) and the International Union for the Conservation of Nature, Cactus and Succulent Specialist Group to fundraise and raise awareness. As a business, we conduct research to ensure ethical sourcing and work only with established growers. It’s important to recognize both good and bad actors in the industry and do your part to support ethical sourcing.
COURTESY OF B. WILLOW
B. Willow partnered with the Center for Plant Conservation and artist Lianne Pflug to create beautiful plant illustrations that raise awareness about endangered plants.
N-L: What can customers like us do to ensure their plant purchases are legal and support native plant conservation?
LV: If you’re shopping online from independent sellers on platforms like Etsy or eBay, especially for rare plants, make sure they provide the necessary paperwork. In stores, don’t hesitate to ask about plant sourcing. It’s similar to adopting a pet — you wouldn’t want to support puppy mills, and it’s the same concept with plants.
To support native plant conservation, I’d suggest finding organizations that align with your values. CPC, for example, focuses mainly on North American plants. While the houseplant industry popularizes exotic plants, there are many plants facing extinction that aren’t as well-known but are just as important to conserve. My mission is to connect houseplant enthusiasts with native plant conservationists — fostering a shared love for all plants, even those that may never become houseplants.
N-L: What are your future plans for B.Willow?
LV: We’re focusing on expanding our plant rentals, private workshops and small event hosting. We’ve also started growing our own plants, which is exciting. The goal is to continue making B.Willow more than just a plant store — a community hub.
