Small Business Focus: Utsuwa Botanical Design

By Meg A. Parsont

“All the things that are missing in the world right now are here, in this shop,” observed a customer browsing in Utsuwa Botanical Design, a Japanese-style plant shop that opened in April on West 86th Street, just east of Columbus Avenue. “It’s calm, soothing, and just makes you feel good. Plus, there’s always something new to see.”

With its curated displays brimming with greenery, framed moss pictures on the walls, air plants* whimsically suspended from sea urchin shells forming the centerpiece of the small store, and jazz playing in the background, Utsuwa is a cabinet of curiosities and a rare treat for the senses. More than a store, for this reporter, it was a transporting experience.

“Utsuwa has a very earthy vibe that’s almost spiritual — there’s lots of positive energy here. And the owner is so welcoming and helpful,” said another customer, who called the shop “a true gem on the Upper West Side.”

When I arrived to chat with Hiro Hayama, who owns the store with his wife Mizu, he was creating a piece in the traditional Japanese style: living moss packed around soil that is packed around the root ball of a small maidenhair fern. Hayama explained that, like many of the plants for sale in the shop, this one is low maintenance, only requiring a good soaking two times a week. And the beautiful outer layer of green moss means that no pot is needed; the plant can be placed directly on a plate or display tray. Like the majority of the plants in the shop, this piece takes up very little room — perfect for city-dwellers who may have limited space, but who crave greenery in their homes.

In addition to cultivating a large range of houseplants—from familiar favorites like philodendrons and begonias to more exotic cacti, succulents, air plants, and bonsai — Hiro and Mizu create and sell a unique selection of botanical art. Among their one-of-a-kind pieces are terrariums, miniature rock gardens, air plants nestled in seashells, aquatic plantscapes, and much more. The postcards of flora and fauna that the shop carries are designed by their daughter.

While their work is rooted in traditional Japanese culture, Hiro and Mizu are interested in taking a more fusion-style approach to their botanical creations. Hayama explained, “My grandmother was very traditional and taught me how to make Ikebana (flower arrangements) when I was a kid. I love Japanese culture, but at the same time, I want to mix in elements of various cultures.” Scattered around the shop are African masks, textiles from the Congo, and artifacts from Indonesia and Thailand, all of which inspire the couple’s work, he said.

Hayama opened his first store in Tokyo 25 years ago, selling plants and creating floral arrangements for weddings and other special events for ten years. He and his wife then moved to San Francisco where they opened a new shop that followed a similar model. Now, 15 years later, he says that he is delighted to have opened the shop on West 86th Street, where they have phased out the time-intensive event work, and are focusing on their plants and botanical creations. The move to the Upper West Side has energized them and given them fresh perspective on their work, he said.

Hayama chose the West 86th Street location in part because of its proximity to Central Park and the American Museum of Natural History, two of his favorite places in the city. His new neighbors have been very welcoming and — in true Upper West Side fashion — have shared suggestions with him, many of which he says have been helpful. As he reflects, “I’ve been in this business for 25 years, but when I move to a new location, I always learn something new from my customers and neighbors, which makes me very happy. I can improve my skills and get a new vision for my work. The most important thing to me is to keep learning.”

He is hoping to share his knowledge and passion for plants in classes in the shop. Meanwhile, Hiro and Mizu will continue to grow their collection of plants and botanical art to suit a wide range of customers, from those looking for a good “starter” plant to those interested in trying something more adventurous.

Hayama wants his customers to love what they purchase and be comfortable with their new plants. “There are times when people walk in and want to buy three, four, or five plants at the same time. Sometimes I suggest they just buy one to see how they do. And then they hopefully come back to buy more.” (He laughs.)

Utsuwa carries plants for every budget, offering options for $7.00 or several hundred dollars. One customer observed as she was admiring an air plant suspended from a sea urchin shell for $18.00, “Many of the plants in this shop cost less than the price of a movie. And they give us so much more joy!”

Utsuwa Botanical Design
80 West 86th Street, just east of Columbus Avenue
Open every day 11 a.m. – 7 p.m., except Tuesday

* Air plants don’t need soil to survive; instead, they grow attached to other objects. They get all their nutrients and water from the air through their leaves.

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