Necole Sykes took the love of plants she learned from her father and used it to create an inclusive oasis.
Located at 726 N. High St. in Short North, Coles Plants is a shop that specializes in indoor house plants that are sourced from Homestead, Florida. Sykes founded Coles Plants in 2020 and opened her shop in the Short North in June 2022.
“I’ve had customers say, ‘Alright, you hit it, it is a vibe,’” Sykes said. “But that’s intentionally what I wanted so that everyone would want to come in. Regardless of your age, regardless of your color, sexuality, no matter what, just come in and have a good time. And I think we’ve created that so far.”
Coles Plants first opened in Richmond, Virginia, in December 2020. Sykes moved from Columbus earlier that year and said while spending time with her father, she noticed a lack of plant shops in the area, which gave her the idea to open one of her own.
In addition to Coles Plants, Sykes is a teacher and the owner of Fresh Start Learning Academy III. When Sykes moved to Virginia, she said her son, a Marine, took over the childcare center in Columbus.
Sykes closed the Virginia shop in 2022 and moved back to Columbus to replace her son when he was deployed. Sykes said she noticed the open space at 726 N. High St., the former home of Chunky Armadillo, while eating across the street at Press Grill.
Coincidentally, Sykes said the inside of her Short North shop looks almost identical to the space she had in Virginia.
“It was so weird, when we walked in me and my son started laughing. I was like, ‘This is it,’” she said.
Plants have been a part of Sykes’ life since she was a child. She said her father is a landscaper for the city of Richmond.
“I‘ve always been interested,” she said. “It’s my dad’s thing. So even as a little girl, like plants everywhere all through the house.”
Sykes recently began hosting events in the space, such as a Paint and Sip, a Teen Night, and a game night with her friends. She said her goal is to host at least one event a week.
Coles Plants is located at 726 N. High St., and is open Sunday from 12 – 5 p.m., Wednesday and Thursday from 2 – 7 p.m., and Friday and Saturday from 12 – 7 p.m. More information about the shop can be found at colesplants.net.
All photos by Ashley Kimmel