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our story

There’s something about having your hands in the soil - or creating something with them - that brings a quiet kind of peace.

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The quiet. The grounding. The way the world slows down, even just for a moment.

It reminds us that growth doesn’t have to be rushed - that beauty can be simple, and that even the smallest seed holds something meaningful.

 

Willow & Wild was born from that feeling.
 

Not just from a love of plants and art - but more than that, from a desire to create connection. To nature. To creativity. To the things that soothe our hearts. To each other. In a world that often feels busy and disconnected, we believe in creating space for small, intentional moments. Moments that invite curiosity. Moments that bring a sense of calm. Moments that stay with you.

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What began as a simple idea has taken root in our community, growing into a collection of botanical kits, plants, and thoughtfully curated goods, alongside creations from local artists and makers. Each piece is chosen with care, with the hope that it brings not just beauty, but a sense of connection and joy into your everyday life.

 

At its heart, Willow & Wild is about more than what we offer.

 

It’s about getting your hands a little dirty, slowing down, and rediscovering the simple joy of creating, growing, and being present.

 

Because in the end, we believe this:  plants and local artistry have a way of bringing people together - rooting creativity, connection, and a little everyday wonder into our lives.

 

We’re so glad you’re here, and we can’t wait to grow something beautiful together.

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Lynn Smith   
Founder | Co-Owner | Lead Artist & Educator
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Lynn brings over twenty years of experience as an artist, educator, pottery enthusiast, event coordinator, and lifelong plant lover. She has worked extensively with children, adults, and seniors through recreational programs, preschool and afterschool education, community events, and creative initiatives.
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In addition to her creative work, Lynn spent more than 11 years as a legal assistant, bringing a strong foundation in organization, compliance, communication, and detail-oriented planning to every Willow & Wild experience. Her leadership extends into public service through volunteer and advisory roles, including her service as a School Board member for the Continental Local School District since 2022, where she continues to deepen her understanding of educational programming, accessibility, and community needs.
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At Willow & Wild, Lynn leads with heart, creativity, and intention - designing experiences that are approachable, therapeutic, and rooted in connection.
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Jeanette Verhoff
Co-Owner | Operations & Wellness Lead
 
Jeanette brings over 30 years of experience in the healthcare field bringing a deep understanding of wellness, care-centered environments, and people-first service. Paired with a deep love of plants and a people-first approach to service, her professional background shapes Willow & Wild’s emphasis on wellness, inclusivity, and creating environments where participants feel comfortable, supported, and at ease.
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With strengths in operations, event management, and community-based programming, Jeanette ensures that each experience runs smoothly from start to finish. Her thoughtful attention to logistics, systems, accessibility, and guest experience allows creativity to unfold naturally - without stress or overwhelm.
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Jeanette’s steady leadership helps ground Willow & Wild in care, intention, and meaningful connection.
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Ruby McGowan
In-House Artist & Creative Coordinator
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Ruby is a creative heartbeat behind the scenes at Willow & Wild. With over 20 years of experience in administration, bookkeeping, organization, and community event coordination, she brings both artistic vision and operational clarity to the team.
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As an in-house artist and creative coordinator, Ruby helps shape Willow & Wild’s hands-on offerings, lesson plans, and creative flow. Her background includes committee participation, church leadership, and children’s ministry programming, where she developed engaging, age-appropriate lessons rooted in creativity and care.
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Ruby’s unique blend of artistry and organization ensures each Willow & Wild experience is thoughtfully designed, beautifully executed, and supported from start to finish.
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Meet our crew of wildlings

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