Launching a business is tough. Launching a business in the midst of a pandemic is almost impossible. But plant-loving friends and community organizers Kalkidan (“Kalu”) Gebreyohannes and J’Maica Roxanne made it happen just eight weeks after the idea came to them. Their new outdoor plant and specialty home goods store features a beautiful array of plants, as well as a thoughtfully curated selection of goods for the home (candles, ceramics, magazines and more!), with an emphasis on fellow Black-owned businesses. We got the opportunity to chat with Kalu and J’Maica and learn more about them, their friendship and why they decided to take the leap and open Blk Girls Green House.

Can you start by telling us a bit of your backstory? How did you meet?

J’Maica has many mutual friends and knew of each other for a while. We eventually officially met at an event called the ‘Black Joy Parade’ in Oakland and have been inseparable ever since.

Tell us about Blk Girls Green House. What made you decide to launch the business?

Blk Girls Green House was an idea that casually came up one day after visiting one of our favorite nurseries and on a day our spirits needed some uplifting. We both are plant enthusiasts and love interior design so when the idea came up, we went into research mode and here we are eight weeks later with an open-air plant shop! It was important to us that our space felt good and safe for Black people, that it celebrated and carried Black makers/artists, that Black people had a space to come to that felt like reprieve and peace—we need joy, we deserve joy, we hope our space provides that.

You recently had your opening weekend, how was that experience?

EPIC! So many smiles and so much excitement and support from every single person who entered the space. It felt like community and love, we all needed that! As our first customer said, “This is revolutionary”—that comment will be something we always remember.

@blythecoffe

What has it been like launching a business during the middle of a pandemic?

It’s something neither of us imagined doing, we didn’t plan for this but when something feels right, when it’s on your spirit and heart to really do something—even a pandemic can’t stop you. We’ve also struggled with things like shipping, delays in projects getting completed and sourcing certain things.

What do you have planned for Blk Girls Green House when COVID-19 subsides and people can visit freely?

We would love to host an event/mixer with the dopest plants around, with lots of music and art, and of course, hugs!! Our space lends itself to so many options and we are excited to explore them.

Can you tell us about your process for selecting the curated goods section of the business? How do you decide what to carry and why?

Kalu and I have a pretty similar aesthetic so once we like an artist/maker, we contact them and let them know what we are doing and ask if they’re open to being a part of it! We focus on Black makers, we want the space to be a beautiful reflection of all things Black. We want to pour into our Black community and entrepreneurs and provide a space for people to support these businesses as well.

OK, so if you had to pick just one, what is your favorite type of plant?

Kalu: I equally love the Bird of Paradise and Alocasia Black Stem Regal Shield.

J’Maica: Bird of Paradise and Fiddle Leaf.

Can you share some of your favorite local small businesses?

Our friends at Axé Oakland, which is actually the existing business we are renting our space from—they do incredible things for the community that focus on health/wellness and culture. Also, Alyce on Grand, UnoEth, Neutral Ground, Blk by Amina, Red Bay, Taylor Jay, Candid Art, Under The Sunlight, Bar Shiru, and of course, we love Mother Mag!

What does community mean to you?

It means a reflection of what and who we are, a representation of our collective gifts and strengths. A mirror when we need to find ways to repair what’s been broken. Community means family!

When you’re not working on the space, what does a typical day look like for you?

Kalu: I’m a mother of three, currently also homeschooling my kids, a business partner at Alyce on Grand a woman’s clothing boutique and the owner and designer of By Kalu a luxury head wrap brand. A typical day looks like a lot of juggling, cooking, hikes in our neighborhood, work and a long shower when I can squeeze one in.

J’Maica: I’m the owner of the Black List a monthly subscription box that features Black products and makers (currently on pause while I focus on the nursery) and a model. A typical day includes cooking, some exercise, time in the sun with my tea, work and music! To be honest, these days, it’s a lot of work and sleep when I’m not working!