Lessons From Plant Whisperer Jen Zak
Image: Matthew Holler
Jen Zak has turned over a new leaf. She’s the owner of Salt Your Soul, a plant and gift shop that opened in 2022 in south Sarasota. “When I first started my business, I just had a couple of plants around because I liked the greenery,” Zak says. “A few customers came in who told me the plants looked like they were in rough shape and started telling me how to care for them. I got hooked and now have a store that sells plants and care products. All because of customers coming in to buy little gifts who saw my sad decorative plants.”
Zak says new customers will come in with their own “sad plants” just to ask her how to save them. “I’ve even learned how to do tissue cultures from rare plants and transplant them first hydroponically and then into soil. It’s like a science experiment,” she says. She’s also learned propagation techniques, and hosts a monthly plant swap where she and others bring their propagations (and mature houseplants) to trade.
Zak also sells gifts made by local artisans, crystals and minerals, and has a make-your-own terrarium station in the back of her store with charts to aid in the terrarium’s future success. “I can’t teach terrarium classes in the middle of the day when it’s busy, so I set up a DIY corner,” she says. “The best part about being surrounded by all these plants is watching my customers take a big, deep breath. There’s something about plants that makes everyone feel good.”
Image: Matthew Holler
Wisgi Water Co. Candle ($20)
Made in Venice, Wisgi Candles come in nature-inspired fragrances. Try the coconut banana or the driftwood surf (sage, sea salt and jasmine).
Image: Matthew Holler
Build-Your-Own Terrarium ($20)
Head to the back of the shop to select from an assortment of glass bowls, air plants, soil and pebbles. Zak will help if you’re overwhelmed.
Image: Matthew Holler
Snow Queen Pothos ($15)
Pothos is a great starter plant and tough to kill.
Image: Matthew Holler
Leaf Care Spray ($15)
A gentle dust remover that repels insects and also shines up your plants’ leaves.
Image: Matthew Holler
Leaf-Pressed Ceramic Dish ($20)
Local ceramicist Brook Dodd presses plant leaves into clay and glazes the dishes in neutrals and greens.
Salt Your Soul | 7256 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, (941) 217-7533, saltyoursoul.com
