Small Business Spotlight: Somewhere That’s Green in Bend prioritizes people and plants

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- This week is National Small Business Week—and Central Oregon is full of them! 

For this month’s Small Business Spotlight, KTVZ News took a trip to a unique shop in Bend that plant lovers call a haven.

At Somewhere That’s Green, the name couldn’t be more fitting.

"We have over 400 varieties of plants in here,” said Whitney Baglien, the manager of the shop.

They know a thing or two about plants. 

"We have a repotting service, and we really specialize in education," Baglien said. "If people come in with questions about their plants or they know nothing about plants, then we can tell them all about it."

Founder and Co-Owner John Kish started the shop seven years ago and wanted to add a unique twist.

"We are the premier indoor plant shop in Bend, Oregon. But we're also the only plant shop-theater combo in the world that I know of," Kish said. "So we also have a performing art space in the back."

Kish says he's grateful for the clientele.

“I actually get to just do what I love and work with the community," said Kish. "I mean, Bend is honestly a community that supports local. It's rare that that happens. And I think that's why I stayed here ,and why I started my business here."

And his employees — like Whitney Baglien.

"The owners tend to prioritize their employees, and that's hard to find. Especially in a small business, because usually it's keeping the business afloat," Baglien said. "They kind of figured out, now that we have it afloat, how do we keep you here? We get paid such a livable wage, PTO, health insurance - the works."

Bringing plants and people together.

"We're all super-grateful to be here,” Baglien said.

To learn more about Somewhere That's Green, click here.