Roughly two years after opening its doors at 1739 N. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Dr., Milwaukee’s first Black- and Brown-owned plant shop, Maranta Plant Shop, is temporarily closing its doors. In a press release, store owner Michelle Alfaro cites the “necessity for a mental health break” as the reason for the temporary closure.
“Running Maranta has been a fulfilling journey, one that taught me resilience and the importance of community,” Alfaro says in the press release. “However, burnout has led me to pause, reassess, and prioritize my well-being. This isn’t a permanent closure but a hiatus for rejuvenation.”
The press release also highlights the need for continued support for Black- and Brown-owned businesses.
“Maranta’s journey, from a pop-up to a recognized plant shop, has been a testament to the power of community and unwavering determination,” Alfaro says. “Despite our successes, our story is also a reflection of the larger issues that Black and Brown business owners face in Milwaukee. The lack of financial resources for entrepreneurs of color in our city is a hurdle that is too often overlooked. As I take this break, it’s my hope that Maranta’s hiatus illuminates this challenge and sparks conversation and action towards more equitable support for small businesses in our community.”
Maranta Plant Shop will host a two-day closing sale June 28-29, from 11 a.m. – 7 p.m. Alfaro stresses that the temporary closure “isn’t a goodbye, but a promise of ‘see you later.'”
“Our absence is only a pause in our story, not the end. We will come back stronger for our community.”
Here’s the full press release:
Maranta Plant Shop to Close Doors, Highlights Need for Support for Black & Brown Businesses
MILWAUKEE, WI – Maranta Plant Shop, Milwaukee’s pioneering Black and Brown plant shop, announced today the temporary closure of its store in Bronzeville. The decision came after a personal evaluation by the store’s owner, Michelle Alfaro, acknowledging the necessity for a mental health break.
Born out of a pop-up in October of 2020, Maranta opened its doors in the Bronzeville community in April of 2021. Despite being a self-financed small business, Maranta earned recognition both locally and nationally. Maranta Plant Shop has been featured in a national Shopify campaign, highlighted by the New York Times as one of the 52 Places for a Changed World, and had successful collaborations with Nike, the Milwaukee Brewers, Target, Lululemon, ESPN, CASHDROP, The Kimpton, and others.
Michelle said, “Running Maranta has been a fulfilling journey, one that taught me resilience and the importance of community. However, burnout has led me to pause, reassess, and prioritize my well-being. This isn’t a permanent closure but a hiatus for rejuvenation.”
Maranta’s inspirational journey, made possible by the relentless support of the Milwaukee community and Michelle’s indomitable spirit, has put it on the map. The hiatus serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by small businesses, in particular, the lack of financial resources for Black & Brown business owners in Milwaukee.
Michelle stated, “Maranta’s journey, from a pop-up to a recognized plant shop, has been a testament to the power of community and unwavering determination. Despite our successes, our story is also a reflection of the larger issues that Black and Brown business owners face in Milwaukee. The lack of financial resources for entrepreneurs of color in our city is a hurdle that is too often overlooked. As I take this break, it’s my hope that Maranta’s hiatus illuminates this challenge and sparks conversation and action towards more equitable support for small businesses in our community.”
“As we press pause, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to the community that has supported Maranta. This isn’t a goodbye but a promise of ‘see you later.’ We will return and serve you again when we are stronger,” added Michelle.
Maranta Plant Shop will provide updates about its future re-opening through their website and social media platforms.
During these challenging times, Michelle and the Maranta team extend their heartfelt thanks to their loyal customers and the wider Milwaukee community. They affirm, “Our absence is only a pause in our story, not the end. We will come back stronger for our community.”
Michelle also leaves with a powerful message for other young entrepreneurs, “It’s okay to prioritize mental health, and it’s okay to take a break.”
Maranta Plant Shop will be hosting a two-day closing sale on June 28th and 29th from 11AM-7PM. This sale will allow loyal customers and the wider community one last opportunity to visit the store before its closure. Maranta Plant Shop is located at 1739 N Doctor M.L.K. Jr Dr, Milwaukee, WI 53212. The team warmly invites everyone to come and share in this moment, as they bid a temporary farewell to their cherished community.
Exclusive articles, podcasts, and more. Support Milwaukee Record on Patreon.
RELATED ARTICLES
• Milwaukee’s first Black- and Brown-owned plant shop, Maranta, opens April 14 in Bronzeville