At The Brown Thumb, visitors can find a wide variety of houseplants, beverages like cold brew and matcha lattes and weekly community-centered workshops. Segovia started the business in 2021 at the Dallas Farmer’s Market before expanding with a storefront in Denton the following year. The North Cedar Street bungalow has a relaxed cafe atmosphere with comfortable seating areas and shelves upon shelves of lush plants and locally sourced products. The adjoining outdoor patio serves as an outpost for T-Mac’s Cajun Pot, a local food truck.
Located just north of the downtown Denton Square, The Brown Thumb aims to underline Segovia’s mission to celebrate the Black community in North Texas.
August is Black Business Month, and since opening her business, Segovia has dreamed of showcasing Black culture with a proper showcase of other small businesses. Her upcoming event, Meet Me at the Browns, will prioritize minority-owned businesses and draw attention to the challenges that Black business owners face.
“Black-owned businesses get around $500 in start-up money,” Segovia says. “Other people get around $18,000. Historically, we have to do more with way less.”
To build on the platform for offering support to other business owners, Segovia has made the event free to attend, though patrons can purchase tickets for a plant swap and raffle.
Dayshawn Nellon, owner of The Brewed Collective and Coffee Bae Catering, is among the Black business owners taking part in the market.
“[I’m] looking forward to connecting with people who value culture, creativity and intentional business,” she says.
Nellon runs a luxe coffee cart, which roasts small batches of ethically grown coffee and blends full-leaf teas. Her business began with making coffee for her grandparents and “watching how it brought everyone together,” recalling the stories, warmth and love shared in those moments.
As a Black woman and veteran, Nellon says integrity, honor and culture are foundational to her business practices.
“It’s my love letter to Black heritage, to comfort, and to the art of gathering,” she says.
In addition to tasting drinks and soulful food, attendees can also expect a variety of handmade products.
A Scent of Serendipity, for instance, offers a range of home fragrances and skincare options, including wax melts, room sprays and whipped body butters. Owner and founder April Jones aims “to help people romanticize the little moments and feel good while doing it.”
“Being a Black woman business owner is at the heart of everything I do,” she tells us. “[The business] was born out of a need to create something of my own — something real, beautiful and affirming in a world that doesn’t always reflect our stories or value our presence.”
With Meet Me at the Browns, Jones is most excited to be surrounded by like-minded business owners who can share a space where they don’t have to question if they’ll feel seen and supported.
“Meet Me at The Browns will be a celebration of our hustle, our creativity and our impact,” she says.
Olyne, owner of Purposefully Crafted Crochets, echoes this sentiment. She wants her customers at the market to see themselves in her cozy crochet designs.
“My hope is that each handmade piece reminds someone they are seen, loved and made with purpose,” she tells us.
That purpose is embedded in the heart of Segovia’s event. Whatever brings visitors to Meet Me at the Browns, whether it be plants, community, matcha, food or unique handmade products, she hopes that the event will foster a sense of belonging and, ultimately, lead to growth for her fellow small business owners.
“I want people to come in and experience the beauty and richness behind our culture.”
Meet Me at the Browns will take place on Saturday, Aug. 9, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. For more details and updates, check out The Brown Thumb's Instagram.
