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| Kayla Moberly and Annmarie Thornton Co-owners of Botanica Modern Market |
"Take the risk. You have no idea what you have to lose or gain until you do it. Remain positive and faithful through it all, even when you don't know the whys. There needs to be a common knowledge of what small businesses truly do for the community. "
-Kayla Moberly
Botanica. The word often is defined in part as a small shop that deals in herbs, plants, candles and charms. But no definition can do justice to this sweet shop nestled securely in the Ashman Plaza. While it certainly entails many of these things, it is so very much more.
Botanica Modern Market will dazzle you with its wide variety of products. While you may lean toward thinking the shop favors plant sales, you will be delighted to find that these two owners thrive in the fashion industry right along side of being one of Midland's most loved places to grab a beautiful, trendy plant for your home or a wholesale piece from a handful of local artists. As you step inside this boutique you will see a variety of clothing and jewelry somehow walking hand in hand with household decor and plants in a way that looks effortless.
Co-Owners Annmarie Thornton and Daughter Kayla Moberly opened shop in February 2019 and have been rolling along ever since as an active part of our community. These two ladies have a love of hostessing their own special events and bringing people together with their tasteful hospitality. From pop up shops to semi-annual fashion shows, this little shop does anything but sit idle.
Working in the market industry had always brought Annmarie much joy and she longed for a place to express her own taste and run a shop in a way she herself had a mind to. Daughter Kayla had similar passions and yet the pair have a distinct difference between them as well, one dabbling more in fashion, the other more in home decor and plants, inspired by husband, and science teacher, Trevor Moberly. Opening shop truly started as a family affair right from the beginning as husband and father, Mark Thornton, headed up the remodel and construction of key elements of the shop such as the quaint trendy lighting, fitting rooms and the pallet counter. Annmarie and Kayla also mentioned how daughter and sister, Jaclyn Sharpe, although living out of town, often adds another angle and eye for fashion and home design that always encourages the family.
We often love to ask, what's to love about small business ownership, since we love to see businesses encourage and inspire one another, especially in a box store day and age. These two ladies say they love it because it's their own place. A place they get to set the tone. They get to lead and design and dream as they see fit not being limited by anything. Kayla remarked that being a business owner gave so much freedom to do something different every day. She and her mother love getting to know regulars and meeting new people, stating that it's a joy when customers tell stories of how an item makes them feel or how excited they are when something fits just right in their homes.
As many entrepreneurs we talk to, the pair note a potential down side of small business ownership being the competition of online shopping. Annmarie and Kayla recognize this and would encourage shoppers to return to the experience of live, here and now shopping in small shops and boutiques. There is so much to be said about tangible markets, observing and trying things on before you buy. Shopping is not all about market and money making, but also about mingling with your community. Not to mention how shop owners work hard to be constantly trending and searching for items that are good quality and a good fit for the community and culture. At Botanica, time is spent getting to know customers and catering to their preferences.
The owners of Botanica have always been fans of their hometown Midland. They enjoy the friendly, family oriented atmosphere, as well as outdoor dining and a large variety of events offered. When encouraging other aspiring entrepreneurs Kayla Moberly would say, "Take the risk. You have no idea what you have to lose or gain until you do it. Remain positive and faithful through it all, even when you don't know the whys." Both shop owners expressed deep gratitude for the Ashman Plaza's business support, and remarked they are thankful for the guidance, support and prayers of their landlords, Aaron and Renee' Deckrow.
Another wonderful positive business shining in our community. Bringing unique gifts, decor and fashion to our growing midtown! Stop by Botanica Modern Market. With their variety, you will be sure to find something perfect for you or someone you love and you will be greeted by kind souls ready to give you their best in return for your business.
Article and Photos by Hope Krotzer
