Today we’d like to introduce you to Elena Sonnino.
Hi Elena, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I was on a hiking trail at Loch Raven Reservoir when a whisper found me: “how fun would it be to open a plant shop?”
I’d set out on the hike with the intention to be curious. To allow ideas to find me, because I knew that I wanted to have impact differently. That I wanted to create something – and to allow my work to be out in the world in a new way – but had no idea of what that might look like.
I’d been a life coach, yoga & meditation teacher, and retreat leader for 10 years, and while I loved (still love) that work – there was a part of me that knew it was time for something to shift.
So while training for a hiking endurance event, I spent most of my hikes during June and July of 2025 – in a space of curiosity, and allowing ideas to flow.
This idea, of a plant shop – felt delightful. It felt completely unknown and uncertain, because I’ve never even had a part-time job in retail. But I wrote the idea (or what I now think of as a “whisper”) down in my journal, without any attachment.
Something about the whisper kept echoing around in my head – and eventually my heart. I’ve always wanted to create my own retreat center – something that I’d previously imagined would be in a beautiful destination, overlooking the water. But when I remember talking to a mentor shortly after moving to Baltimore in 2023. I’d been recounting how much “at home” I felt here in Baltimore, when she wondered out loud if this future sanctuary might end up being more a community-focused space
About a month after my hike, I was walking with my husband and our two dogs, past an empty retail space in our neighborhood. It had previously been a hair salon. Without even thinking about it, I said, “That would make an amazing plant shop.”
I still had no details. No plan. No experience.
But the whisper had taken root in a way that surprised me. It was as if I couldn’t ignore it. Or rather, that I’d be dishonoring myself if I did ignore it.
Yes, a plant shop. But also, a place for people to come home to themselves. A place that blended plants, mindfulness, and community. A place that maybe you came into the first time “for the plants” – but that you kept coming back to “for the soul.”
From there, I worked with our local residential realtor – Holly Winfield – who helped me go on a tour of the space, and before I knew it, I was signing a 3-year lease and working with the amazing branding team at Raw Made to create a brand that is now The Thrive Sanctuary.
The truth is that the whole journey felt – and still feels – a bit magical. There was so much I didn’t (and still don’t) know – but one step at a time, I got my permits, completed some light renovations to the space, and eventually opened the doors on January 17th, 2026.
And now, as we approach the 6-month anniversary, I’m still in awe of the journey. My heart bursts with gratitude every time I hear about customers talk about how their plants are doing, when workshop participants reflect on their journey, or when someone walks in and says “it’s like an oasis!”
The shop has become a place for conversations, life milestones, new friendships, creative moments, plant victories, and opportunities to gather and reset.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The reality is that the journey has been relatively smooth. Or at least, I don’t know any better than to see it that way.
Have there been hard moments? Yes. Have I noticed that my boundaries around “always trying to do one more thing” need some strengthening? Absolutely.
Have I been a bit scared during slow weeks? Completely.
But also, what I’ve noticed is how each relative obstacle or struggle has really been just me, getting in my own way.
Because each time something starts to feel hard, it is actually my brain starting to doubt things. Starting to overthink or try to control outcomes – instead of trusting the process,
There is so much I didn’t know. For example, there isn’t a checklist from the city on what needs to be done and in what order. I was lucky to meet incredibly kind city officials who answered my questions and offered grace when I jumped ahead several steps without knowing I needed to back up.
And the reality of never having worked in retail is that I don’t have a sense of what “success” looks like. But rather than see that as a struggle, I decided early on that I could take the opportunity to define success and thriving in my own way. There was a day recently that I remember calling my daughter and admitting that “slow days are scary.” And it’s true, they are.
But what I’m learning is that it isn’t the slow day or week that is the struggle. The struggle happens when I start listening only to the doubts that echo in my brain. To the “what ifs.”
My practice during those moments is to pause and take a plant wander in the shop. To allow myself to remember even a mini-moment of something that has gone “right.” A moment of delight or an interaction with a customer that made my heart smile.
We’ve been impressed with The Thrive Sanctuary, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
The Thrive Sanctuary invites you into an approachable, sensory experience to slow down and breathe again.
Walk inside for air-purifying indoor plants that help you be rooted in calm and add a touch of thriving to your home and spaces. Stay for the sense of peace, community, and experiences that nurture your mind and heart.
It is built on the belief that plants are a doorway into thriving, and that small acts of tending bring big bursts of joy.
Yes, The Thrive Sanctuary specializes in small to medium air-purifying or pet-friendly plants that add a touch of thriving to your home. We also feature a small assortment of items to help you tend to your thriving from the inside out, like journals, candles, books, and more.
We proudly feature the work of local artists, Baltimore and Maryland small businesses, and other highly curated items that Elena loves.
What sets us apart – and what I’m most proud of – is how we blend plants, mindfulness, and focus on community. Because the space is more than just a shop.
Everything in the space is intentional – and from the custom scent that wafts in the air (inspired by my favorite scents and created by SoBotanicals) to the workshops that vary from Plant Bingo to yoga nidra rest practices.
One of our favorite things is watching people connect during our events and workshops, surrounded by all our plants – and hearing, over and over again – “I needed this.” There is something special that happens when we gather. When we allow ourselves to be in community- for fun, to learn, to breathe – to just be.
I love it when folks come inside because they know the space will offer them a moment to breathe – or when someone pops in because they need a gift and they know they’ll find something delightful in the shop. When someone calls the space “an oasis.” Or when even the UPS delivery driver comes inside and leaves feeling just a little calmer.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
The Thrive Sanctuary was built on the belief that thriving happens in the mini-moments. that you don’t need an errand, a reason, or a perfectly curated shopping list to stop by The Thrive Sanctuary.
You can come in just because.
We’re big believers that not every outing needs a purpose.
Because sometimes it’s enough to stroll through a plant shop, admire something beautiful, and let yourself be inspired.
So if you’re craving a moment to reset, a little greenery, or just a pleasant way to spend part of your day, our doors are open.
Whether you leave with a new plant or simply a sense of calm and delight, we’d love to see you soon.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.thethrivesanctuary.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thethrivesanctuary/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61584329623016
