Von was born in Thailand and grew up in Oconee County, graduating from Oconee County High School. She studied Business and Entrepreneurship at Athens Tech, in pursuit of her dream of owning a restaurant. She moved to Montgomery, Alabama to run two restaurants there before deciding it was not the life for her. She spent 12 years in the legal field here in Athens before opening Foxglove Plantbar in September of 2022.
Foxglove Plantbar is a plant store, wine and coffee bar on Baxter Street that offers a wonderful selection of plants, as well as classes and events. Von is involved with Women Owned Athens, a collective of women business owners, including the owners of Home.Made, Treehouse Kid & Craft, Ceremony Salon, and IndieSouth. The group works to highlight women in business and to support each other personally and professionally. Von lives on the West side of Athens with husband, Alex, who also works in the shop, and two dogs, Rupert and Layla, plus the couple’s 150 house plants!
What do you love most about your job?
I love it when people come in and they just have the face of “WOW” and total awe, and they’re just so excited to be around all of these plants and have access to them. That is my favorite part. And people appreciate what we’ve created here, because as a plant parent it was always something that I was looking for– everywhere I travel, and even in my own hometown, that we didn’t have. So it’s cool to see other people’s reactions and their appreciation.
When you’re not working, what are some of your favorite things to do in and around Athens?
Alex and I ride Onewheels, which are like snowboards on land. We’ll ride different trails in Walker Park, or on the Greenway or cruise around North Campus. We also like to kayak down the Broad and Oconee River.
If you could see any musician from any time, anywhere, who would it be and where?
My first concert was Outkast here in Athens. I think it would be cool to see them again here in my hometown.
What advice would you give to your younger self?
“If it doesn’t feel good, let it go.” Whether it’s relationships, career, anything. If it’s not serving you and doesn’t feel good anymore, let it go.
Do you have a favorite book? Or, one you often reference or gift to people?
I reference The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz a lot. My favorite agreement is “don’t take anything personally” and that has really helped me in life.
Do you have a favorite movie?
I think Drive is pretty up there. I am a Ryan Gosling fangirl and it has a phenomenal soundtrack.
If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?
The next place on our list is Iceland, to see the Northern Lights.
If you could have lunch with anyone, dead or alive, who would it be and where?
Probably my dad. He passed away when I was a toddler. I’ve heard crazy stories about him and my mom back in our home country, so it would be cool to hear his perspective. And I’d eat with him here, in the comfort of my home.
What’s something interesting about you that most people might not know?
I’ve had the entrepreneurial spirit in me since I was in second grade. It started with selling beaded bracelets to treat myself to some ice cream during lunch. As time went on, I ended up recruiting about four other kids to join in on the bracelet-making fun.
What three words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word home?
Relax, comfort, and happy.
