This spring, we’re celebrating women-owned and operated businesses that bring beauty, inspiration, and meaningful connections to their communities. Join us as we highlight their unique stories, expertise, and impact.

Since 1957, the family owned and operated, Abide A While Garden Boutique, has nurtured more than just plants, they’ve cultivated a legacy. This beloved Charleston Garden Center is more than a business, it’s a labor of love and a gathering place for generations of plant enthusiasts. With deep roots in the community and an ever-evolving vision, the Donaldson Family has carried forward the traditions started decades ago while embracing a changing city and industry.

We sat down with Muffie Donaldson, Owner, and her daughter, Eleanor Moynahan, Marketing Coordinator and Store Buyer & Merchandiser, to hear their story. From a humble start to becoming a popular and cherished local staple, their journey will inspire business owners of all kinds. 

Tell us about Abide A While. What has the journey and evolution of your business been like?
Eleanor: Abide A While was founded in 1957 by my grandparents, Bob and Suzanne Donaldson. They purchased the land for $300 and a camellia – a bold investment at the time, but one that has since flourished into a beloved greenspace in the heart of Mt. Pleasant. My grandfather was a true horticulturist, growing his own plants and helping the community landscape their yards. Even today, customers come in and share stories about a camellia or citrus tree he planted 50 years ago that’s still thriving!

Fast forward, the business transitioned through generations. My parents took over, and now my sister Emma and I are part of the team. While we no longer grow plants, we’ve expanded our offerings significantly. We always joke you can purchase fertilizer and diamonds all in the same place – we’re a one stop shop! Our space includes two large greenhouses, one dedicated to indoor houseplants and another for annuals and seasonal color. Our outdoor sales yard features trees, shrubs, perennials, and pottery, and traditional landscape plants. We are in the thick of spring and every year the beauty of this place, especially at this time of year, still gets me! 

At our core, our mission is to bring happiness, beauty, and tranquility to our customers. We often hear visitors say, “I’ve had a bad day, and this is where I come to feel better.” That’s our goal – to create an experience that delivers whatever someone needs in the moment.

What has been the most rewarding aspect of leading a family-operated business?
Eleanor: Being with my family. We are a tight unit! My mom, Emma, and I always joke that we’re better together and it’s true. The four of us work closely during the week and then gather with our husbands and kids for Sunday dinners. So far, we haven’t gotten sick of each other! There’s also deep pride in carrying on a family business. You take things personally, but you also work harder to make things better. When you achieve a goal, it’s incredibly rewarding because you know the effort and intention behind it.

Muffie: Although ‘Abide A While’ doesn’t have our family name attached to it, it is intrinsically associated with our family. That’s a huge responsibility, but also a constant reminder that what we do matters to our employees, our customers, and our community. We strive to provide a unique and ever-changing experience for everyone who walks through our doors. It’s incredibly fulfilling to see the business grow under our leadership. My daughters have brought the same youthful energy and excitement that my husband and I brought when we were their age. Their dynamic approach is integral to our longevity and evolution.

How does Abide A While embed itself into the local community? Why is this important?
Eleanor: Mount Pleasant has grown dramatically in the last 20 years. Charleston itself has been named Travel & Leisure’s Favorite City in the U.S. for over a decade! That means we have a steady stream of new residents, many of whom are unfamiliar with gardening in this climate. My grandfather was incredibly passionate about plant knowledge, and we maintain that commitment today. Our employee training emphasizes expertise so that we can educate our customers. About 10 years ago, we launched free seasonal gardening classes. What started with just five attendees has grown to over 60 participants with waitlists!

Another evolution has been our focus on custom and grab-and-go planted arrangements. While many customers love planting their own containers, we found that just as many want instant gratification. We started small with orchid arrangements (always in an Accent Decor cachepot!)  and we’ve grown offerings to include magnificent orchid arrangements with ferns and foliage, succulent gardens, terrariums, and seasonal pots of color. We recently expanded and are now offering outdoor grab-and-go custom plantings, too. Accent Decor has always been our go to for these containers!

Who has influenced your journey as a business owner, and how have those influences shaped the way you lead and operate your business?
Muffie: Over the last 36 years, I’ve been influenced by many incredible women business owners in Charleston. Their leadership inspired me, and I’ve modeled many of my own behaviors after theirs. I’ve learned that imitation is the highest form of flattery, and by incorporating the wisdom of those who came before me, I’ve been able to grow both personally and professionally. I can only hope that some of the women I work with, as well as a customer or two, have benefitted from wisdom or advice that has come from my years of experience building my own business. 

Keep up with Abide A While via their website and on Instagram. To shop Accent Decor’s wholesale decor and wholesale pots and planters along with newest trendy plant pots, visit accentdecor.com. 

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