Meet Matthew Xiao | Owner of Grow a Leaf Shop

We had the good fortune of connecting with Matthew Xiao and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Matthew, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
My thought process behind starting Grow a Leaf Shop came from a simple, genuine love for plants. Even before thinking about starting a business, I found joy in caring for living things. The way a tiny leaf unfurls, a flower blooms, or a fruit emerges feels like witnessing a little miracle. During the COVID-19 lockdown in 2020, I finally had the time to focus on this passion. Spending time in my mother-in-law Ping’s garden was incredibly rewarding and fun. She is a true green thumb; she can literally grow anything, which made the whole experience even more worthwhile. Those quiet moments, gardening while my wife Ashley played the Taylor Swift’s album Folklore in the background, felt peaceful, almost like being in a small forest, surrounded by life.

It was in that calm, steady routine that I realized this love could become more than a hobby. It could grow into something bigger. That’s when Grow a Leaf Shop was born.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
At Grow a Leaf Shop, every plant isn’t just a decoration; it is a living spark of life, energy, and joy that can elevate any space. Our bonsais are carefully hand-arranged, and every plant is lovingly nurtured. Even the smallest details, like rocks and figurines, tell a story, bringing beautiful memories, nostalgia, and moments of pure joy.

This journey has been truly extraordinary. Working with plants brings comfort, inspiration, and a sense of wonder every day. Running the shop comes with its challenges, but they have pushed me to grow, think creatively, and care even more deeply. The greatest reward is seeing our customers smile as they explore the shop. They admire each plant, often surprised that something so unique and naturally one of a kind exists. It is especially meaningful when customers choose our shop to find gifts for friends and family, knowing that a plant is living art, a gift that keeps growing, offering a new leaf, a new moment of joy each time. Even better, many of these customers introduce us to new people who become regulars themselves, and we truly love the ongoing support and connection this small plant shop creates, sharing the love for nature and life.

The biggest lesson I’ve learned is patience. Owning my own shop has taught me that growth, care, and attention are essential. They are what bring goodness, beauty, and life.

At Grow a Leaf Shop, our plants are living art, whether you prefer timeless classics, trendy styles, or something in between. Every plant is thoughtfully arranged and cared for, becoming a little piece of beauty that brings life and joy to any space.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I’m a nature-loving, sporty kind of guy, so if my best friend were visiting, we’d be outside and on the move all day. I’d start at Arcadia Park, the perfect spot for a few rounds of pickleball, a quick soccer game, or just enjoying the sunshine. Right next door is the Arboretum, where we could look at peacocks, enjoy the flowers in full bloom, and simply soak in the peaceful outdoors.

For a little pick-me-up, we’d stop by 3 Cat Tea for drinks, and then we could go eat at Din Tai Fung, because their dumplings, noodles, xiao long bao, and overall menu are incredible. I also love the interior. It’s a very nice place to relax and enjoy food.

To wrap up the day, I’d take them to my shop to see my plants, which is always the real highlight. They’d be tired from all the walking, but the moment they are surrounded by all the plants and bonsais, they instantly recharge.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My mother-in-law, Ping, absolutely does the most because she brings every single plant to life with her love and care. Customers are often amazed, asking if the plants are even real because they look so perfect. Her dedication, care, and passion are the heart of Grow a Leaf Shop, making it feel alive, enchanting, and full of magic.

And my wife, Ashley, is incredible. She keeps everything running smoothly, organizing our shop and social media with care and creativity. She helps share the love we put into every plant and makes sure our day-to-day runs effortlessly. I couldn’t do this without her by my side.

I also want to give a huge thank you to our family and friends. Their encouragement, advice, and endless support have carried us through every step of this journey. And of course, our incredible customers! they’re the reason we do what we do. Their excitement, appreciation, and love for our plants make every day meaningful and this is why we love what we do.

And we can’t forget our furbaby, Butter the inspiration for our logo, he is our little blessing that brings us good luck!

Instagram: @growaleafshop

Image Credits
Ashley Xiao