Akoko Botanical Bazaar & Nursery 1621: Meet Jowanna
Location: Modesto, CA
Tell us a little bit about yourself and what inspired you to start your business!: I'm the founder of Akoko Botanical Bazaar, a community rooted in plants, wellness, and meaningful connection.
Akoko was born from something I noticed in the Central Valley. As a plant enthusiast, I realized we have very few spaces dedicated to people who share a love for plants, creativity, and intentional living. Plants have been more than just a hobby for me they've been a source of peace, healing, and growth. The simple act of caring for plants can reduce stress, encourage mindfulness, and create moments of joy, and I wanted others to experience that too.
That realization inspired me to create Akoko Botanical Bazaar: a space where plant lovers, wellness practitioners, artisans, and our community can come together under one roof. By blending botanical experiences with holistic wellness, we're cultivating more than a marketplace—we're growing a community that prioritizes mental wellbeing, physical wellness, creativity, and human connection.
My hope is that everyone who walks through our doors leaves feeling inspired, connected, and renewed—whether through a plant, a local maker, a botanical experience, or simply the joy of being in community.
Tell us about your business offerings, who your business is for, and why you're so passionate about serving this client base!: Akoko Botanical Bazaar is a curated indoor market that brings together plant vendors, artisans, wellness practitioners, food vendors, and unique experiences under one roof. We create an inviting space for anyone seeking connection, creativity, and wellbeing while supporting small businesses that are passionate about what they do. I'm passionate about serving this community because I believe everyone deserves accessible spaces where they can discover something new, feel inspired, and build meaningful connections with the people and businesses around them.
Tell us something exciting your business will be doing soon that we should know about!:
I’m so excited to bring the inaugural Akoko Botanical Bazaar to life right here in Downtown Modesto on Saturday, September 5th at Nine3One from 11am-3pm! Akoko was created to be more than just a market. I wanted to create an intentional space where plants, wellness, food, creativity, and community could all exist under one roof.
This first Bazaar is especially meaningful to me because it represents the beginning of something I hope will continue to grow and become a beautiful gathering place for our community. I’m so excited to introduce people to the incredible local businesses, makers, artists, and wellness creatives who are helping bring this vision to life!
Website:http://www.akokobazaar.com
Instagram:Akoko Botanical Bazaar
Instagram: Nursery1621
Email:bloom@akokobazaar.com
🫶 Thanks for sharing your story Jowanna, and thanks to you for reading her story! Be sure to share her story with people you know who might be interested in her business. When women are supported, communities thrive, and we all rise! ✨
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-With love, Kaci & Mimi