Rootbound Plant Shop: Growing New Roots in Harrison

When you step into Rootbound, Harrison’s new plant shop, you’re greeted by a space filled with tropical houseplants and a warm, welcoming atmosphere. But for the shop’s owner, Kealoha (pronounced “Aloha” with a “K”), the story behind the name is deeply personal. Despite her Hawaiian roots—her grandmother is from Maui—the shop wasn’t inspired by her heritage. Rather, it reflects a journey of uprooting and starting over.

From Colerain to Harrison

Kealoha, her husband Adam, and their two daughters, Sawyer (who goes by “Sage”) and Eloise, moved to Harrison from Colerain in early 2020. It wasn’t a move she initially embraced. The family had already sold their house in Colerain, and though they were excited about a fresh start, Kealoha wasn’t quite ready to leave behind the familiar.

The name Rootbound captures that transition. In gardening, when a plant becomes rootbound, its roots are tightly packed and restricted by the pot. The only way for the plant to continue growing is to break free from the container and be repotted—often a difficult but necessary process. For Kealoha, moving to Harrison felt much like that. Uprooting her family from Colerain, where she had been comfortable, was painful. But just as with a rootbound plant, that breaking away allowed her and her family to flourish in unexpected ways.

Embracing the Harrison Community

Despite the initial challenges of the move, Harrison soon became home in ways Kealoha hadn’t anticipated. Over time, she found a close-knit, supportive community that welcomed her family with open arms. Neighbors became friends, and the town began to feel like a place where they could truly put down new roots.

After settling in, Kealoha and Adam welcomed their third daughter, Prudence. The presence of a young child in the shop is a reminder of the family’s journey—Rootbound is not just a business but a reflection of the new life they’ve built in Harrison.

More Than a Plant Shop

Rootbound is not just about selling houseplants. It’s a space that aims to offer something for everyone—whether that’s beautifully consigned pottery, plant workshops, or simply a warm, inviting environment. Kealoha hopes the shop will continue to evolve, offering a space for local artists and creators to showcase their work and for the community to gather and connect.

Building an Experience

What sets Rootbound apart from larger stores is the personal touch. The shop is about more than just plants; it’s about the experience. Every item, every plant, is chosen and cared for with intention. Kealoha’s hope is that people will come to Rootbound not just for the products but for the atmosphere and sense of connection.

Kealoha wants Harrison’s community to play a major role in Rootbound. She is seeking to collaborate with local artists and artisans to provide unique pottery and other products to Harrison. Kealoha also seeks to continue fostering that sense of community by offering workshops and creating a welcoming space where everyone feels they can be part of something special.

Rootbound represents growth—both Kealoha’s personal journey of leaving behind the familiar and the new roots she and her family have planted in Harrison. It’s a space designed to grow with the community, offering more than just plants but a place to gather, create, and experience something unique.

Whether you’re a plant enthusiast or just curious, there’s something for everyone at Harrison’s newest local gem.

Rootbounds Temporary Hours:
Wednesday & Thursday: 10:00am-6:00pm
Friday: 10:00am-7:00pm
Saturday: 1:00pm–7:00pm
(Closed Sunday-Tuesday)