A new wellness sanctuary has taken root in the heart of Anacostia, Washington D.C. Grounded, founded by Mignon Hemsley and Danuelle Doswell, offers a unique blend of plant shop, café, and wellness studio. This innovative space aims to redefine urban wellness and provide a healing oasis for the community.
Grounded: A Holistic Approach to Urban Wellness
Located at 1913 Martin Luther King Jr Ave SE, Grounded is more than just a store. It’s a sanctuary where nature and self-care converge. The founders’ vision centers on reconnecting people with nature to promote mental clarity and emotional well-being.
Danuelle Doswell explains, “Our vision has always been about creating a space where people can slow down, reconnect to nature to elevate their wellness, and feel grounded.” This philosophy is evident in every aspect of the space.
From E-Commerce to Physical Oasis: Grounded’s Journey
Grounded’s roots trace back to Earth Day 2020 when Hemsley and Doswell launched an e-commerce platform. Over four years, they shipped over 30,000 plants across the U.S. and partnered with major corporations like Google and Meta.
Now, their first physical location brings their mission to life in a tangible way. The space serves as a community hub where people can work, relax, and connect.
Biophilic Design: Bringing Nature Indoors
Step inside Grounded, and you’re immediately enveloped by tranquility. The space, designed with Drummond Projects, incorporates natural elements throughout. Integrated planter boxes, concrete and rock accents, and rich wood materials create a harmonious environment.
This masterclass in biophilic design aims to foster a deep connection between visitors and their surroundings. The soothing green hues and abundant plant life contribute to an atmosphere of calm and rejuvenation.
Plant Shop and Café: Nourishing Body and Soul
At the heart of Grounded is its plant shop, offering a curated selection of houseplants. Plant Specialists guide customers in integrating greenery into their spaces. They even offer Planterior Design Services for personalized consultations.
Adjacent to the plant shop, the Grounded Café serves as a community hub. The fully vegan menu features artisanal coffees from Manos de Mujer, a woman-owned farm in Guatemala. High-grade matcha from Kettl and various herbal teas are also available.
Wellness Studio: Nurturing Mind, Body, and Spirit
Grounded’s commitment to holistic wellness extends to its on-site Wellness Studio. The space offers a diverse range of practices designed to nourish mind, body, and spirit. Yoga, meditation, breathwork, sound bowl therapy, reiki, and pilates classes focus on fostering gratitude and mindfulness.
This comprehensive approach to wellness sets Grounded apart as a true oasis in the urban landscape. It provides a space for community members to heal, grow, and thrive.
A Full Circle Moment: Giving Back to Anacostia
For Mignon Hemsley, COO and Creative Director, opening Grounded in Anacostia is deeply personal. She shares, “I went to high school in Anacostia, and to now be launching Grounded here feels like a full circle moment for me.”
By creating this wellness oasis, Hemsley and Doswell are not just serving the community, but actively working to elevate it. Grounded represents a beacon of positive change, planting seeds of wellness that promise to grow into something beautiful for Anacostia and beyond.
