If I had to sum up what Bella Botanica is all about, I'd say 'Plants that heal, gifts that encourage, and words that inspire'.
Hi, I'm Tracy and I am the happy owner of Bella Botanica. I feel so blessed to be able to do what I love every single day! Here's a little background on myself, Bella Botanica, and this little church that we have found ourselves calling home:.
First, Bella Botanica:
Do you know what your name means? I've always been fascinated with the meanings of names, so naming this business was something I did not take lightly. In fact, Bella Botanica holds a much deeper meaning than just ‘pretty plants’. Botanica comes from the word botany which of course refers to the study of plants. In some Hispanic countries a Botanica is a plant store that sells healing herbs and religious goods. (That's where 'plants that heal' comes into play). Bella means beautiful in Italian, which you might already know, but did you know that it also means ‘promise of God’? That discovery gave me goosebumps! Together, these two words hold the essence of my vision and mission for this shoppe. And the fact that it is all happening in a little old church in Springfield, Wisconsin shows me that it's something bigger than what I had hoped for.
Springfield Church:
Built in 1865, this church has had many lives. It began as an Episcopal church where those in the surrounding train depot community attended worship for many years. In the 1940's and 50's it was owned by a farmer who stored hay in the building! Neighborhood kids would sneak in to play in the hay and do other teenage mischief. In the 1960's the Methodist, led by Pastor Menge, restored the building adding the front entryway, the choir loft, and the pretty stained glass windows. Imagine all the life that was in this place! They finally outgrew the size of the space and the church sat empty for about 30 years being used by the community for various activities. In 1999, the father of Kym Moyer-Davidson, the current owner, bought the church intending to sell antiques. It was Kym who really had the vision of what the space could become. After making much needed updates, she lived here for several years and had her antique shop 'Pray for More Stuff' here. Around 2014, the little church became home to Indigo Yoga Studio. As of April 1, 2021, it is now the home for Bella Botanica LLC. My goal is to create a sanctuary within this sanctuary, a place to connect, and a place for community once again.
Now for me:
I'm Tracy Hankwitz - married and mama to 4 grown kids. Plants and music have been my two big passions in life. In my past life, I taught piano lessons while raising my kids, designed gardens, and managed Burlington Garden Center. I taught horticulture classes at Gateway Technical College as an adjunct for five years. I also enjoy writing articles on gardening and on growing in faith. The seed of owning my own shoppe was planted by my mom several years ago, and it is with a heart filled with gratitude that I can say that it has grown and blossomed into Bella Botanica. My husband, Neil, has been a big part of making this happen, along with the encouragement of close friends and family. My hope is to help you see that life is beauty filled - in nature and within us. At the same time, I strive to offer a cultivated collection of fine horticulture goods - terra cotta pottery, unique plants, and support local makers. I'm also a huge believer that each of us is made with a creative spirit, and it needs to be cultivated! So be sure to check out our Makery schedule.
Stop in and visit. I'd love to get to know you :)
Hi, I'm Tracy and I am the happy owner of Bella Botanica. I feel so blessed to be able to do what I love every single day! Here's a little background on myself, Bella Botanica, and this little church that we have found ourselves calling home:.
First, Bella Botanica:
Do you know what your name means? I've always been fascinated with the meanings of names, so naming this business was something I did not take lightly. In fact, Bella Botanica holds a much deeper meaning than just ‘pretty plants’. Botanica comes from the word botany which of course refers to the study of plants. In some Hispanic countries a Botanica is a plant store that sells healing herbs and religious goods. (That's where 'plants that heal' comes into play). Bella means beautiful in Italian, which you might already know, but did you know that it also means ‘promise of God’? That discovery gave me goosebumps! Together, these two words hold the essence of my vision and mission for this shoppe. And the fact that it is all happening in a little old church in Springfield, Wisconsin shows me that it's something bigger than what I had hoped for.
Springfield Church:
Built in 1865, this church has had many lives. It began as an Episcopal church where those in the surrounding train depot community attended worship for many years. In the 1940's and 50's it was owned by a farmer who stored hay in the building! Neighborhood kids would sneak in to play in the hay and do other teenage mischief. In the 1960's the Methodist, led by Pastor Menge, restored the building adding the front entryway, the choir loft, and the pretty stained glass windows. Imagine all the life that was in this place! They finally outgrew the size of the space and the church sat empty for about 30 years being used by the community for various activities. In 1999, the father of Kym Moyer-Davidson, the current owner, bought the church intending to sell antiques. It was Kym who really had the vision of what the space could become. After making much needed updates, she lived here for several years and had her antique shop 'Pray for More Stuff' here. Around 2014, the little church became home to Indigo Yoga Studio. As of April 1, 2021, it is now the home for Bella Botanica LLC. My goal is to create a sanctuary within this sanctuary, a place to connect, and a place for community once again.
Now for me:
I'm Tracy Hankwitz - married and mama to 4 grown kids. Plants and music have been my two big passions in life. In my past life, I taught piano lessons while raising my kids, designed gardens, and managed Burlington Garden Center. I taught horticulture classes at Gateway Technical College as an adjunct for five years. I also enjoy writing articles on gardening and on growing in faith. The seed of owning my own shoppe was planted by my mom several years ago, and it is with a heart filled with gratitude that I can say that it has grown and blossomed into Bella Botanica. My husband, Neil, has been a big part of making this happen, along with the encouragement of close friends and family. My hope is to help you see that life is beauty filled - in nature and within us. At the same time, I strive to offer a cultivated collection of fine horticulture goods - terra cotta pottery, unique plants, and support local makers. I'm also a huge believer that each of us is made with a creative spirit, and it needs to be cultivated! So be sure to check out our Makery schedule.
Stop in and visit. I'd love to get to know you :)
