Paula Willis and Alleah Cooks are a mother-daughter dream team. The duo went into business together in 2016 at the 2nd Street Market in Dayton, where they were selling air plant and succulent terrariums. That business grew and evolved, and before long they were hosting terrarium building workshops and eventually opened their concept Now and Zen Terrariums.
“To accommodate our growing business in 2020, we transitioned to our first brick-and-mortar location on St. Clair street in downtown Dayton,” explains Willis. “Shortly after, we moved to our current space at 121 E. Third St. in the Fire Blocks District. There, we were able to add houseplants, crystals, and terrarium DIY kits to our offerings.”
Through their journey of entrepreneurship, Willis says they have been able to build relationships with community partners including the Downtown Dayton Partnership, The Chamber of Commerce, The Entrepreneurial Center, and the Dayton Urban League.
Now and Zen Terrariums is a unique concept with a curated selection of vessels, plants, and embellishments. “We’re a place to explore your creative side and connect with nature, all while having a fun experience with friends and family,” says Cooks.
Now and Zen is open to guests of all ages to create a one-of-a-kind terrarium with the help of expert staff who can help turn your vision into reality.
Now and Zen has walk-in hours as well as reservations Thursday through Sunday from 11am to 4pm. They also hold monthly terrarium project workshops once a month in addition to private terrarium workshops for wedding and baby showers, birthday celebrations, corporate team building and more.
DIY kits to take home are also available from Now and Zen. “For those who want to have everything they need to be creative at home, our take-home DIY kits are the perfect answer,” says Willis. “We have a number of succulent and air plant terrarium kits that can be purchased in the studio or ordered online.”
Willis says that there is no other terrarium-building studio in the region. “Every weekend we have customers who travel 2 or more hours just to spend time at our studio,” she says. “We feel so fortunate to have a creative outlet that brings joy and ‘zen’ to so many.”
Willis and Cooks are looking forward to the future of their business. “We’re so excited to have two new ventures that will spread creativity around Dayton this spring,” says Cooks. “Starting in May we’re partnering with Pedal Wagon Dayton to offer a unique combination of the Pedal Wagon experience with a stop at Now and Zen to create a small terrarium. We also plan to bring terrarium building to breweries, local bars, and pubs. We can’t wait to spread the zen and fun.”
You can find Now and Zen at 121 E. Third Street in downtown Dayton. To learn more, visit their website, Etsy shop, or find them on Facebook and Instagram.
