Meg and Mike Affa run Vine Garden & Gift in Toms River, where customers can peruse plants, flowers and gifts in addition to ordering coffee, tea and locally made baked goods. Photo: Courtesy of Deidre Holly
“My husband has always pushed me to open my own business. When I first told him my vision to sell coffee and plants, he said, ‘Who buys plants?’ I told him, ‘Lots of people!’” says owner Meg Affa. So the couple opened Vine Garden & Gift last fall, and Toms River locals “immediately embraced us,” adds the self-taught floral designer.
Husband Mike Affa says, “Our retail venture is exciting, and I’m so proud of Meg. It’s really her show. I just lend moral support, go out for milk, and run to the bank when we need change.” Mike is also the owner of a digital marketing company.
“He’s the business brain, and I’m the creative soul,” Meg adds. Vine Garden & Gift is loaded with houseplants, flowers, handpicked gifts and “good coffee.” The menu includes seasonal coffees, such as a cardamom rose latte for Valentine’s Day, as well as gourmet teas and locally made scones, tarts and muffins.
Photo: Courtesy of Deidre Holly
Meg first envisioned her own shop in 2014, when her friend who owned Melinda’s flower shop in Lavallette needed help on Valentine’s Day. “When I worked for Melinda, I was setting up a wedding in Spring Lake when I saw and fell in love with a parking lot full of Atlock Farm topiary plants. Now, I sell Atlock’s myrtle, rosemary and lavender topiaries in my own shop,” she says. Vine also offers angel-vine plants, ferns, ivy, succulents, grab-n-go flower bouquets, luxury gardening tools and curated gift baskets.
As Valentine’s Day approaches, Mike reminisces, “When I first saw Megan in seventh grade, I thought she was the prettiest girl ever.” But they didn’t actually meet until freshman year at Toms River East High School. They went to senior prom together, started dating in 1998, got engaged in 2013, and married in 2021.
Photo: Courtesy of Deidre Holly
When the couple launched their business, they hired Dana Dore and Lindsey Vogel of the Sandhill Co. to develop their brand and create an in-shop experience “where beauty, intention and community flourish,” Meg says.
For Valentine’s Day, Vine is selling blooms, candles, chocolate, botanical-inspired jewelry and heart-shaped topiaries. In coming months, the couple will host fun activities such as a farmers market, floral workshops, and fairy gardens for kids.
Vine Garden & Gift, 783 Fischer Boulevard, Toms River; 732-908-8463 • @shopvine.nj
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