Today we’d like to introduce you to Michael Levi.
Hi michael, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Wright in the Garden has always been rooted in family. What began as a shared passion for plants and creating beautiful spaces grew into a small business where we could combine creativity, craftsmanship, and a love of nature. Over the years, we expanded into a retail storefront, offered workshops, and built a wonderful community of plant lovers throughout the Phoenix area.
Like many small businesses, our journey has evolved. In 2025, we made the difficult decision to close our storefront and return to our roots by focusing on what we loved most—creating handcrafted kokedama. Shortly after, our family experienced an even greater loss when my mother, Anne, passed away. She was not only my mom but also an integral part of Wright in the Garden. Her creativity, kindness, and passion for helping others shaped the heart of our business and continue to inspire everything we do.
Today, Wright in the Garden is dedicated exclusively to handcrafted Japanese-inspired kokedama. We travel to farmers markets across the Valley, where we enjoy meeting people face-to-face, sharing the story behind this unique art form, and helping others bring a little more nature into their homes. Every kokedama is made by hand, and every conversation at our booth reminds us why we started this journey in the first place.
Looking ahead, our goal is to continue honoring my mother’s legacy by growing a business centered on craftsmanship, community, and creating meaningful connections through plants—one kokedama at a time.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road, but I don’t think many small business journeys are. One of the biggest lessons we’ve learned is that retail is constantly evolving. Customer needs change, markets change, and sometimes life changes your plans entirely. We’ve learned that you can’t sit back and wait for things to happen—you have to keep moving forward, stay open to new opportunities, and be willing to adjust your course.
There were times when we thought we were on the right path, only to realize it was really a detour. Closing our retail storefront was one of those moments. It was a difficult decision, but looking back, it gave us the opportunity to step back, refocus, and rediscover what we were most passionate about creating.
That detour ultimately led us back to our roots. Today, we’re focused on handcrafted kokedama and sharing them directly with people at local farmers markets. The artistic side of kokedama has given us a renewed sense of purpose. It’s not just about selling plants—it’s about creating living art, telling a story, and helping people bring a little more nature into their everyday lives.
Those experiences taught us that success isn’t about never facing obstacles. It’s about continuing to move forward, learning from every turn, and trusting that sometimes the unexpected path leads you exactly where you’re meant to be.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
At Wright in the Garden, we specialize in handcrafted Japanese-inspired kokedama—an centuries old art form whose name literally translates to “moss ball.” Instead of growing in a traditional pot, each plant is carefully rooted in a hand-formed ball of soil wrapped in moss, creating a beautiful, sculptural piece of living art. Kokedama encourages people to slow down, appreciate nature, and see plants as more than just décor—they become part of the space and a conversation piece.
Every kokedama we create is handcrafted using premium plants, carefully selected soil blends, and quality moss. No two are exactly alike, and that’s part of what makes them so special. We embrace the Japanese philosophy of finding beauty in nature’s imperfections, allowing each piece to have its own unique character while remaining timeless and elegant.
While we’re known for our kokedama, what we really hope people remember is the experience. We love introducing people to this centuries-old art form, sharing its history, and showing them that caring for a kokedama is much simpler than most people expect. Watching someone discover kokedama for the first time and realize it’s something they can enjoy in their own home is one of the most rewarding parts of what we do.
What I’m most proud of is that we’ve stayed true to who we are. Rather than chasing trends, we’ve continued to refine our craft and focus on creating something meaningful. Every piece is made with intention, and every market gives us the opportunity to connect with people face-to-face, share our passion, and help them build confidence in caring for their plants.
I believe what sets us apart is our attention to detail, our craftsmanship, and our commitment to education. We don’t see our customers as transactions—we see them as part of our community. We don’t just sell plants; we create living art, share a centuries-old tradition, and help people build a deeper connection with nature. If someone leaves our booth with a kokedama, a smile, and the confidence to care for it, then we’ve accomplished exactly what we set out to do.
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is the value of finding mentors and never being afraid to ask questions. Some of the best advice I’ve received hasn’t come from people in the same industry—it has come from business owners, artists, makers, retailers, and entrepreneurs from completely different backgrounds. Every conversation offers a new perspective.
I’ve learned to be curious, to listen more than I talk, and to ask people how they built their businesses, what mistakes they made, and what they would do differently. Those connections have been invaluable. You never know who is going to share the one idea that changes the way you think or helps you solve a problem you’ve been struggling with.
I don’t believe mentorship has to come from one person. It can come from many people, each with different experiences and strengths. Building relationships, picking people’s brains, and staying open to learning has been one of the most important parts of our journey. As a small business owner, you’re never finished learning, and I think that’s one of the most exciting parts of being an entrepreneur.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.wrightinthegarden.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wrightinthegarden/?hl=en
