Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Shawna Christian. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Shawna, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today What’s the backstory behind how you came up with the idea for your business?

Once turning 50, I realized I didn’t have a lot of time if I wanted to do anything else professionally. For most of my 40’s, I had become obsessed with making our home a sanctuary. I wanted our home to be the safest place on the planet and a place where all our family and friends wanted to be at. I spent a lot of time and money creating a paradise. Seeing the look on people’s faces walking into our home, I knew I had created something special. Once I got the idea of starting my own business, I wanted to have a shop where I only sold items I would put in my own home. I wanted it to be authentic, special and all-around jaw dropping in its presentation and aura. My main goal was to help people create their sanctuary within their walls. To bring joy and love into their home. To assist in identifying their personalities and bringing a smile to their face. I feel what we bring is special and extremely unique.

Shawna, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I’m the proud owner and operator of Tansy, the only black woman-owned plant and home decor store in Los Angeles and Seattle. Starting as a small retail store in Burbank 2019, Tansy has transformed into a center of community over the past five years. We offer not just handpicked plants, unique home decor and gifts, but we also host community events, local artist pop ups and more.

We also expanded to Seattle this past year! This marks another milestone for Tansy and reinforces our commitment to creating a safe, joyful spaces and to celebrating the healing power of plants. Tansy is not just a store; it’s a source of inspiration and joy in our community.

Has your business ever had a near-death moment? Would you mind sharing the story?

The last 4 years have not been for the faint of heart. We opened 9 months before a global pandemic happened. We rode the wave of people wanting plants and wanting to support black owned businesses. We struggled through the time after everything was said and done and sales went down. After 2021, it has felt like we have been behind the 8 ball. It’s been a lot of robbing Peter to pay Paul unfortunately. However, I have learned an amazing amount through all of this. I realized that if you communicate with everyone in your sphere (employees, vendors, etc), people will show up to help. It makes them understand the problem and gives them the opportunity to help. I also realized that nothing is really an emergency. Things will fall as they may, and you can try your best to control it but when it comes down to the core, things will happen, you will pick yourself up and you will move forward. Lastly, my biggest piece of advice to anyone suffering through extreme money problems with their business, do not take out any high interest loans. Those will bury you faster than not having money.

Does your business have multiple or supplementary revenue streams (like a ATM machine at a barbershop, etc)?

Not only do we have our retail shop, but we also host events throughout the year that is also a great source of additional revenue. From terrarium building to candle pouring to macrame workshops, we have something for everybody. What’s also great about it is it’s a way to bring something to the community to share. It’s a marketing tool as well as a community building tool.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.shoptansy.com
• Instagram: @shoptansyla, @shoptansysea
• Facebook: @shoptansy
• Yelp: Tansy, Tansy Seattle

Image Credits
Aidan DaRe