When Kayden Warner lost his passion as a probation officer in Fremont, Ohio, in August, a new door opened.
Now, he runs his passion business – a community space in rural North-Central Ohio surrounded by plants.
The Leaf Lounge sells a variety of house and outdoor plants while providing seating and a small coffee and snack bar for people to come and do work or hang out. Warner also offers his expertise to revive dying plants.
“I just feel like plants make people happy,” he said.
Warner was having a tough time at his former job as an out trans man when he visited the local Lowe’s and “something sparked.” He left the store with an armful of sad-looking plants and rehabilitated them.
“All of a sudden, they started thriving,” Warner said. “This is what calmed my brain until it, honestly, became more obsessive.”
As his job worsened and his home filled with “about 100 plants,” he knew he needed a “backup plan.” He visited plant businesses in nearby Toledo and Michigan, and thought the green spaces were “amazing” and the plants “seemed so happy.” He came home and started looking at storefronts, getting positive feedback from friends. When he lost his job, he was able to spend more time on remodeling – and was able to open the shop last September.
“It almost was like a bittersweet situation where I lost my passion for criminal justice,” he said. “Then I fell into something else that I absolutely love.”
Fremont’s business community welcomed Warner “with open arms,” he said. He has collaborated with the craft drink pop-up shop The Dirty Pour and a local flower shop.
In mid-January, Warner hosted “drag plant bingo” with a friend who is a drag performer. Though Warner did not promote the event online, locals “packed the place” through word of mouth.
“I have had a lot of positive feedback for just being an open, cool spot for people,” he said. “I’m just getting busier and busier, and it’s amazing.”
Warner already has a ton of event ideas and throughout 2026 wants to expand Leaf Lounge’s reach. He has offered paint-and-sips, and is collaborating with a local business owner on an educational workshop to help kids plant vegetables and learn more about the food system.
Warner also wants to connect with funeral homes to offer an alternative to flower arrangements, and consult with businesses to decorate offices with appropriate greenery.
“I’m absolutely excited for the future,” he said. 🔥
IGNITE ACTION
- To learn more about The Leaf Lounge and find upcoming events, visit its Facebook page here.
- To learn more about LGBTQ-owned businesses, visit Plexus LGBT & Allied Chamber of Commerce’s website here.
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