Rooted in Care: How Leyly Bagherof Cultivated More Than Just a Plant Shop
This isn't just a place to pick out a plant. It’s a place to pause.
When you walk into Sun and Soil, the air shifts. It’s not just the oxygen-rich greenery or the soft scent of soil and leaves—it’s the feeling. Of calm. Of comfort. Of something quietly sacred.
This isn't just a place to pick out a plant. It’s a place to pause.
Leyly Bagherof, the owner and heart behind Sun and Soil, has always found her grounding in nature. But her journey into plant life wasn’t born from trend or business strategy—it was planted early, nurtured with love, and eventually bloomed into something far bigger than she ever imagined.
“What inspired me to open a plant store was really a combination of three things I love deeply: my mom, my passion for plants, and my love for Greenville.”
Her love affair with plants began with one quirky little beauty—the Monstera Adansonii, better known as the Swiss Cheese Plant.
“It’s such a fun, quirky little plant. Those holey leaves feel like nature showing off.”
It was more than just a pretty leaf. It gave her a sense of confidence and connection during a time when she needed it most. The plant still sits in her home today—thriving, growing, and reminding her of where it all started.
In 2020, as the world slowed, Leyly found herself returning to what grounded her: tending to her plants. In that quiet care, a vision began to form. What if there was a space in Greenville devoted entirely to indoor plants—a place that didn’t just sell greenery, but also taught you how to care for it?
That question grew into Sun and Soil—a warm, welcoming storefront that offers not only plants but also curated tools, handmade planters, thoughtful gifts, and personalized guidance for plant lovers at every stage.
But even more than what’s on the shelves, Leyly’s shop is defined by how she chooses what to carry.
“We prioritize sourcing from small family-owned and female-owned businesses. Every product we bring in tells a story and reflects our values of community, authenticity, and connection.”
If it doesn’t align with those values—if it doesn’t bring joy, support someone’s dream, or create meaningful connection—it doesn’t make it in the door.
Leyly opened Sun and Soil at just 24 years old. While most people in their twenties were traveling or trying to figure out what’s next, she was building something real—something deeply personal.
“I’ve poured my entire twenties into this. It’s meant sacrificing a lot, but I wouldn’t trade it.”
And that investment shows—not just in the curated displays and vibrant foliage—but in the way she interacts with every customer. She’s the kind of shop owner who remembers your name, your last plant purchase, and maybe even the story behind it.
“Customers come in looking for more than just greenery. They’re often seeking peace, connection, or even healing.”
Leyly sees her role as more than a retailer. She’s a listener, a quiet encourager, and sometimes even a witness to life’s biggest transitions. One couple came in to tell her that their first date was at Sun and Soil. They returned—now married—to thank her for being part of their story.
“It absolutely melted me.”
Her favorite part of the day? Simple: conversations.
“Those little moments with customers—helping someone choose their first plant, laughing with a regular, hearing why someone’s buying a gift—those are everything to me.”
It’s not always easy. Running a shop means long hours, heavy lifting (literally and emotionally), and constantly finding balance.
“One of the hardest lessons has been learning to let go when something can’t be saved. Whether it’s a plant or something else, it’s tough—but necessary.”
Still, her joy is palpable. She lights up when talking about creating sensory experiences, hosting workshops, and imagining what Sun and Soil could evolve into.
“I want the shop to continue feeling alive—like it’s always evolving and offering something fresh to the community.”
Leyly has dreams of expansion—not just bigger, but deeper. She hopes to open a second location one day, but only if it stays rooted in her mission.
“This business is a reflection of the people who believe in it, and I carry their energy with me in everything I do.”
At its core, Sun and Soil is about growth—the kind that can’t always be seen. It’s about resilience. Intention. Joy in the little things.
“I want this to be more than just a plant shop. I want it to be a place where people pause, take a breath, and leave feeling a little lighter.”
In a world that asks us to rush, Leyly created a place that invites us to slow down. And maybe, if we’re lucky, to grow.