Meet Lauren Baylor | Owner & Designer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Lauren Baylor and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Lauren, what’s the end goal, career-wise?
Feeling like I experienced it ALL and was present for it. Yes, that means the good and the bad—thriving in the sunshine and weathering the storms. And in the end, knowing I stayed rooted in my values—honesty, trust, and sparking joy in everyday life.

What should our readers know about your business?
Planted Design Studio is all about creating spaces where people and plants thrive together. I design, install, and maintain plant-filled environments for homes and businesses, making sure each space not only looks beautiful but also feels alive, fresh, and sustainable. What sets Planted apart is the thoughtful approach—I don’t just drop off plants and hope for the best. I take the time to understand my clients, their spaces, and their lifestyles so that every plant is set up to succeed. Plus, I offer maintenance plans to keep everything lush and thriving.

One of the things I’m most proud of is the relationships I build with clients. I want people to feel like their plants aren’t just decoration but an experience—a way to connect with nature in their everyday lives. Seeing people light up when they walk into a space filled with greenery never gets old.

How did I get here? I followed my instinct—it was the universe telling me there was something more aligned for me. I started my career in the corporate world as a consultant at PwC, where I learned how to listen to clients, solve problems, and create strategies that work. Those skills translate beautifully into what I do now—helping people bring plants into their spaces in a way that fits their lives. But leaving a stable career to start something completely new? That was both exhilarating and terrifying.

The biggest challenge was (and sometimes still is!) embracing the uncertainty that comes with entrepreneurship (and life). There’s no handbook that says, ‘Here’s exactly how to build a thriving plant design business.’ But I’ve learned that the key is to stay rooted in my values—honesty, trust, and bringing joy into everyday life. And I’ve realized I’m not alone in this experience—there are millions of small business owners navigating the same hopes, fears, and dreams. Hearing their stories has helped normalize the highs and lows of entrepreneurship for me.

What do I want the world to know about Planted? That it’s more than just plants—it’s about transforming spaces, creating connections, and making sustainability effortless. And that anyone—yes, anyone—can have a thriving plant-filled space with the right approach. I don’t believe in ‘green thumbs’—I believe in the right plants, the right care, and a little bit of knowledge. Sustainability is at the core of everything I do—from selecting plants that will truly thrive to eliminating wasteful practices where plants are tossed the moment they stop ‘looking perfect.’ That’s why I created a plant recycling program to rehome plants back into the community, giving them a second life and making greenery accessible to more people.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Charlotte is such a cool city—it has so much personality, amazing food, and plenty of places to soak in nature. And I absolutely love my neighborhood, Plaza Midwood —it’s a vibrant community known for its walkability and cool local businesses, restaurants, and bars. If my best friend was visiting, we’d start the day with breakfast and coffee at one of Plaza Midwood’s incredible coffee spots (because good coffee is essential). Then, we’d head out for an adventure—maybe a long, scenic hike at Grandfather Mountain to take in those epic views. And of course, we’d end the day with a well-earned beer at one of the many Plaza Midwood breweries conveniently within walking distance from my house—because what’s better than a great local beer after a day outside?

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Oh, absolutely! No one grows alone—plants or people. My shoutout goes to the incredible support system that’s helped me take root and thrive. First, my family and friends, who’ve cheered me on and remind me who I am. Also, to my wonderful former colleagues and friends at PwC—where I gained so many invaluable skills, relationships, and the confidence to take this leap. To the clients who trusted me with their spaces—I wouldn’t be here without you (or your beautiful plants).

And I have to give credit to the plants themselves. They’ve taught me patience, resilience, and that sometimes you just need the right environment to flourish. Oh, and to my 17-month-old, Bram—who reminds me daily that curiosity and a little chaos make life way more interesting!

Website: https://planteddesign.co

Instagram: planted_design_studio

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/planted-design-studio/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61567436145867

Image Credits
Lauren Baylor