In the heart of Baltimore, where art, conversation, and craftsmanship intersect, Stem & Vine has blossomed into one of the city’s most distinctive small businesses. Founded by Baltimore native Quincy Goldsmith, the space blends a plant shop, wine bar, and cultural lounge into something larger than the sum of its parts: a creative hub that celebrates Black culture, global connection, and intentional community.

“My inspiration came from wanting to blend my love for plants, wine, and spirits with a bigger vision for Baltimore,” Goldsmith said. “Plants and spirits each carry deep cultural stories—connecting us to history, tradition, and community. I wanted to create a place that brings those connections to life while giving our city a space that feels sophisticated, inclusive, and culturally rich.”

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Inside Stem & Vine, visitors find more than shelves of greenery and bottles. The layout invites conversation, not isolation. Art curated by the Black Art Today Foundation surrounds the space, while the no-laptop policy encourages guests to be fully present. From the music to the lighting, every element is designed to make people feel safe, seen, and inspired.

“Every plant and every spirit has a story to tell,” Goldsmith explained. “By organizing them by region—Africa, Asia, the Americas, Australia—we give people a chance to explore those stories as they enjoy the space. Many of the tropical plants and drinks we love trace back to Black and brown communities, and that history often gets overlooked. When someone sees a Monstera from Mexico next to a glass of tequila, or hibiscus from Senegal alongside a Caribbean rum, it becomes a way of honoring traditions and celebrating the people behind them.”

That approach, equal parts design, education, and storytelling, has turned Stem & Vine into a gathering place for artists, professionals, and changemakers. Much of its audience is made up of Black women, a group Goldsmith intentionally centered from the start. “Black women have always been the backbone of community and creativity in this city,” he said. “I wanted to create a space that recognizes their influence and reflects their culture, sophistication, and strength. Centering Black women doesn’t mean limiting who belongs—it sets a tone of respect, warmth, and inclusion that everyone feels when they enter.”

The sense of belonging extends to Stem & Vine’s partnerships. The business collaborates with women-owned and Black-owned brands such as Eudemonia Herbs, Cane Collective, and The Stylish Bartender, bringing local expertise and creativity into everything from workshops to mixology programs. “We approach partnerships the same way we approach plants and wine—everything has to have roots, character, and meaning,” Goldsmith said. “Together, we’re creating a space that celebrates Baltimore’s creative energy and shows what can grow when we support one another.”

Education is at the heart of Stem & Vine’s mission. From terrarium workshops to herbal wellness sessions and even financial literacy classes, Goldsmith has turned the space into what he calls “edutainment.” “We use our space to teach, share, and connect,” he said. “Whether someone’s learning to grow food in a small space or discovering how plants tie into wellness, the goal is to spark curiosity and confidence.”

Running a small business in Baltimore has not come without challenges. Funding hurdles, shifting expectations, and even a fire that temporarily closed the shop tested Goldsmith’s resilience. Yet, through it all, he remained committed to his purpose. “Resilience looks like staying creative when things fall apart,” he reflected. “During the rebuild, we hosted pop-ups, partnered with other businesses, and found new ways to stay connected. Baltimore rewards people who keep showing up.”

That determination has allowed Stem & Vine not only to recover but to thrive. Upcoming events include the return of the La Sonora series, a celebration of Latin rhythms, movement, and culture, and tastings that highlight Black- and women-owned wine and spirits brands such as Uncle Nearest.

For Goldsmith, success isn’t measured by profit margins alone. It’s found in the conversations shared, the connections formed, and the energy that fills the room when people feel at home. “Support can be as simple as showing up,” he said. “Baltimore thrives on connection, and Stem & Vine is here to keep that connection growing.”

Harold Booker Jr. is the founder and principal of DrewJenk Consulting, a boutique firm that specializes in project management, technology, and community engagement. He is also a frequent contributor to the Baltimore Times, writing about arts, culture, and social issues that connect personal history with community impact.