Tell us a bit about yourself and your business. What made you decide to open your own small business, and how long have you been in operation?
Now and Zen DIY Studio started five years ago at the 2nd Street Market. We started as a temporary vendor and moved into a full time spot, selling designs we made and a large variety of air plants. Along the way, we incorporated terrarium building workshops and would rent workshop venues. The terrariums became very popular, and last year we decided we needed a workshop location to complement the existing location at 2nd Street Market. We have always enjoyed working with nature, and we’ve found many others with similar interests. Some needed assistance making their own terrariums, and that’s why we created the terrarium bar.
What do you enjoy about working in downtown Dayton?
We really enjoy working with other small businesses and the supportive community we find downtown. The Downtown Dayton Partnership, The Entrepreneurs Center, and the Chamber of Commerce all have been very helpful and supportive with resources and funding. We don’t know how we would have survived without the support of these downtown resources.
Tell us something about your business that may surprise people to learn.
It might surprise people to learn how creative we are throughout the entire process. The process of creating is easier than most people realize and most of our customers are surprised to learn how creative they are when they see their finished designs. They’re amazed that they are able to create beautiful terrariums themselves.
How is your business coping with the pandemic and how can people support you now?
We have altered our business model to adjust to the pandemic. Our DIY kits have become very popular – These are kits you can purchase in our store or on our website: shopnowandzen.com. In addition to purchasing terrarium kits to take home, we also have Zoom workshops, and you can plan a workshop party in the safety of your home where the hostess will receive a 50 percent discount for hosting five or more guests. We offer many options that are still creative while being safe and fun, and the new twists have become very popular for Now and Zen customers. As far as other ways people can support us, we’d like to ask customers to please be patient when visiting – we’re looking forward to you coming back in the studio. In the meantime please pick-up a terrarium kit and continue to create.
Now and Zen DIY Studio
37 S. St. Clair St.
www.shopnowandzen.com
937-813-7122
Social media: @nowandzenterrariums
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