Your Name Just Might Get You a Free Plant at This Pretty Providence Plant Shop

Photo courtesy of Thea Plant Co.

William Shakespeare once asked, “What’s in a name?” and followed with the assertion that a rose by any other name would smell just as sweet.

But at Thea Plant Co. in Providence, a name carries much more weight — so much so that it can earn you a rose’s cousin.

If you are a frequent Instagram user, chances are you’ve recently scrolled upon the pretty Providence plant shop’s viral Name Game. On select days their storefront chalkboard displays a specific moniker and if you can prove a claim to said name, you will be rewarded with a free plant baby to take home and nurture.

One of Thea’s staffers, Jessiana, came up with the concept after she and owner Anastasia Karatza attended a retail summit in Michigan. She was inspired when fellow store owners had discussed different ways in which they had engaged their respective communities.

“We thought it would just be something nice to do for people. I think we started it out for like one or two days and we were just going to see how it went. We were so surprised by many people got into it,” Karatza says.

Before they knew it, their post shares were hitting well into the double digits, and the comments were flooded with requests.

“It’s been really cute,” Karatza says. “And it’s been a nice way for us to get our name out there because it’s funny, people still say all the time, “I live down the street, and I didn’t even know you were here!”

(Guilty! I quite literally live two blocks down and had no idea).

But Thea Plant Co.’s doors first opened in 2023 after Karatza’s COVID-spurred interest in plants took on a life of its own. Up until that point she says she had not considered herself a plant person because she had never been able to keep any alive.

“But they just ended up in my life; my mom gave me one, and then where I lived people were giving them away for free,” she recalls. (Sounds familiar!) “Then I had a Thanksgiving Cactus that bloomed and I was amazed by it. That kind of started my journey.”

The only issue was there were no plant shops in Providence.

“I wanted to find other plant people and connect with them over plants, and I didn’t want to have to drive anywhere else to do that. So, I was like, ‘maybe there’s a need for a little plant shop for the community.’”

So, despite working full time in financial services management at the time, she decided to fulfill the need herself. Not wanting to name it after herself, Karatza says the business name ‘Thea’ derives from Acalathea, one of Karatza’s favorite plants.

“It’s also kind of a nod to my Greek roots,” she explains.

After checking in with nearly twenty different locations, she eventually stumbled upon an open spot on Broadway in Providence. She just had to assure the landlord that she would be selling actual grass and pots before moving in.

You can’t blame him for being a bit cautious considering the building’s history. Longtime Rhode Islanders will remember it once housed Lovett & Lovett, a prominent law firm that shut down after it was discovered they did not have the proper licenses. After that, a chiropractor office took over and brought with him an FBI investigation into health care fraud. Karatza also adds that prior to her arrival, the building even had a run-in with a car—literally.

Photo by Kaitlyn Murray

Fortunately for all involved, Thea Plant Co. has been a much better fit for 358 Broadway. Since its opening, Anastasia has left the financial industry behind to turn her full attention to the business and has even expanded to add more rooms to the shop’s footprint. As one might expect, the multi-faceted space is awash with gorgeous greenery throughout — upwards of 900 different plants, mind you — with entire rooms dedicated to various needs and desires, from pet-friendly and non-toxic to rare and unique (collectors: think philodendron pastazanums, pink Naomis and white monsteras) to the more sunlight dependent. It also features shelves upon shelves of aesthetic pots, hangers and other relevant accessories so customers can adorn their new plants however they like.

“We also have cuttings and inexpensive things for people to buy without the full commitment,” she says.

As a former ‘non-plant person,’ Karatza knows how intimidating it can be to pick up a starter plant. She is happy to give tips and direct newbies toward species like snake and ZZ plants because they are more durable and less needy.

“A lot of people that either haven’t had a plant before or, haven’t thought that they could keep a plant alive, are coming and getting plants,” Karatza says. “So that’s been a really cool thing, too. It’s a cute little way to get started. “

The Name Game has certainly drawn in more first-time plant parents. It’s also attracted some familiar faces like the democratic nominee for Providence mayor, David Morales, and Central Falls mayor Maria Rivera.

Democratic nominee for Providence mayor, David Morales. Photo courtesy of Thea Plant Co.

“And that same day I had three Marias come in to together,” Karatza recalls. “The mother’s name was Maria, the first daughter’s name was Maria, and the second daughter’s name was Maria.”

To keep the game fair, Karatza says she does ask for some proof of your first name, whether it be an ID or a Facebook page, and that you come in person to claim your own plant. It becomes too complicated when people try to go by a middle or family name or pick up for a friend.

The Name Game often pops up on random weekdays as weekends at the shop are already quite busy on their own. And for those who feel their name is too unique to be called out, don’t be discouraged: Karatza and her staff are always scanning the comments for suggestions.

“We also try to accommodate different spellings and cultural variations, like Jasmine/Yasmin or Jessica/Yessica,” she says.

Or if you’re bummed you already missed your name day, not all hope is lost. Karatza says they will most likely need to recycle names at some point or rely on nicknames (i.e. Kate vs. Kaitlyn).

Photo by Kaitlyn Murray

But to some, a name really is but a name. They want in on the fun no matter what.

“We did have a whole group of girls that came because they saw the Name Game on social media. I think it was on Emily Day and they wanted a picture with the sign — none of their names were Emily, but they loved it.” Karatza says with a laugh.

With that said, Thea Plant Co. has plenty of other fun opportunities outside of the Name Game, often offering up a ‘Spin the Wheel’ weekend promotion where customers can spin to win a cutting, a plant, discounts and more.

Or, if you’re looking for even more help sprucing up your space, they also provide repotting services, plant consultations, and installation and design services for businesses. Foodies will recognize their plants in the popular Providence eateries Oberlin and Gift Horse.

They’ve even been an unsung hero of the local Hollywood scene: you can spot their work in the Rhode Island-filmed movie Ella McKay, most notably a Spider Plant on display in Jamie Lee Curtis’ character’s apartment.

“It’s nice to get the word out about us with the Name Game, but it’s also just nice to give to people because I do believe in doing things for people and in being giving,”Karatza says. “It’s been nice just to make people happy.”

Follow Thea Plant Co. on Instagram, @theaplantco, for the chance to take part in the Name Game. You can also shop online or visit in person for more plant opportunities. Open daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. 358 Broadway Ave., 401-213-8432, Providence, theaplantco.com

Photo by Kaitlyn Murray