Plant Party – richmondmagazine.com

Before Barry Green Jr. returns to his hometown of Richmond in the summer of 2022, he’s growing a hybrid plant and a record store. Moss colorwhich was transformed into an award-winning retail concept in Charlotte, North Carolina.

In September 2023, he opened a Richmond branch in a cozy Fan storefront at 2128 W. Cary St. The move was inspired by Richmond’s vibrant community of new Black-owned businesses, as Green felt there was a lack of support for Black entrepreneurs in Charlotte.

With a wide selection of common and rare houseplants, and partnerships with local plant pop-up shops, Thorny succulentsGreen wants to expand Richmonders’ options and knowledge about plant biology and care. For those who aren’t a gardener, Shades of Moss hosts regular in-store plant-growing classes. “We’ll have in-depth conversations about not only whether the plant is pretty, but where the plant should be,” Green says. “We’re a full service, and we answer questions like, ‘Is it OK to put it on my bathroom windowsill?’ or ‘Is it OK for my pets?'”

Green also offers home visits, or “plant health consultations,” where he waters, prunes and otherwise cares for plants for $50 an hour.

But Shades of Moss isn’t all greenery. Among the store’s lush foliage, Green has carved out space for another of his passions: indie records. “In a well-designed space, there’s always music,” he says.

The store’s selection started with what he listens to most: lo-fi, a genre with slow beats and jazz elements. Now the shelves are lined with psychedelic soul, funk, hip hop, and more. He categorizes the records by mood: “Coffee Time” is slower, while “Date Night” leans toward sultry jazz.

Green’s choice to focus on stocking new records may be a more expensive approach, but educating customers has always been part of Shades of Moss’ mission. “My goal is for customers to come in and see records by indie artists and local bands,” Green says.

Green runs the small business with his wife, Victoria. Running a business on the side while also working in business and journalism has not been easy, but the entrepreneurial family has no regrets. “The last year has been a tough one to reopen in Richmond, but we wouldn’t change a thing,” Green says. “Words can’t express how much this community has given us in so many ways.”