Today we’d like to introduce you to Dr. Weslie Etienne Pierre.
Hi Dr. Weslie, 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?
I’m a first-generation Haitian American woman, educator, and entrepreneur, and my journey with Wesleaf Designs & Decor
really started from a love of creating spaces that make people feel cared for. Professionally, I’ve spent much of my career working in education and leadership, focusing on communication, community engagement, and building systems of support for families. At the same time, plants and design became a creative outlet and eventually evolved into something much bigger.
Wesleaf began as a small pop-up that was only supposed to last a few months, but the response from the community was incredible. People connected not only to the plants, but to the feeling and experience we were creating. Over time, the business grew into an interior plant design studio offering residential, commercial, and event design services, workshops, and community-centered experiences.
What’s always been important to me is that Wesleaf is about more than aesthetics. I believe thoughtfully designed spaces can impact wellness, mood, creativity, and connection. As the business has grown, so has the vision. We’re now expanding into a more lifestyle and wellness-centered brand that blends design, community, and intentional living.
At the same time, I recently completed my PhD in Educational Leadership, which reflects another huge part of who I am. My work across education, entrepreneurship, and wellness may seem different on the surface, but for me they’ve always been connected through a shared mission of helping people feel seen, supported, and empowered.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Honestly, the journey has been surprisingly smooth in many ways because we’ve been incredibly fortunate to build strong relationships and community connections along the way. From the beginning, people and organizations really believed in what we were creating. Opportunities to collaborate with local businesses, creatives, and community partners helped Wesleaf grow organically and intentionally.
Programs like Up Next Needham
played a huge role in giving us visibility early on, and we’ve also had amazing support from other small businesses and collaborators like JHung Graphics
, who have supported us every step of the way. Those relationships made a huge difference and reminded me how powerful community-centered entrepreneurship can be.
Of course, like any small business, there have been challenges behind the scenes, balancing growth, wearing multiple hats, and learning as we go, but overall the experience has been incredibly rewarding. I think a big reason for that is that the business was built very authentically and with a genuine focus on people, connection, and creating meaningful experiences.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
At Wesleaf Designs & Decor
, we specialize in interior plant design for residential, commercial, and event spaces. Our work ranges from styling homes and businesses with thoughtfully selected plants to creating large-scale installations and experiential greenery for events and community spaces. We also offer plant care support, workshops, and creative wellness-centered experiences that bring people together through design and nature.
What I think we’ve become most known for is creating spaces that feel intentional, welcoming, and alive. For me, plant design is never just about adding greenery to a room. It’s about understanding how people want to feel in a space and designing around that experience. Whether it’s a storefront, office, event, or home, we approach every project with a balance of aesthetics, wellness, and storytelling.
One thing I’m especially proud of is how organically the business has grown through relationships, word of mouth, and community support. What started as a temporary pop-up evolved into a multi-year storefront and now continues to expand into a broader lifestyle and wellness-centered brand. Seeing people connect so deeply to the work and the atmosphere we create has been incredibly meaningful.
I also think what sets Wesleaf apart is that we blend creativity with community. We’re not just selling products; we’re building experiences and environments that encourage connection, softness, care, and inspiration. My background in education, leadership, and community engagement has shaped how I approach business, and I think that people can genuinely feel that when they interact with the brand.
Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
I think over the next 5–10 years we’re going to see a major shift from design that is purely aesthetic to design that is deeply connected to wellness, sustainability, and emotional experience. People are no longer just asking, “Does this space look beautiful?” They’re asking, “How does this space make me feel?” That shift is already happening across interior design, hospitality, retail, and even workplace environments.
One of the biggest trends I see continuing to grow is biophilic and wellness-centered design. But I think it’s evolving beyond simply adding plants to a room. We’re moving toward spaces that intentionally support nervous system regulation, calm, creativity, airflow, natural light, and connection to nature in a much more integrated way.
I also think consumers are becoming much more intentional overall. There’s a growing movement away from fast décor and overly curated “Instagram-only” spaces and toward environments that feel personal, warm, lived-in, and meaningful. People want authenticity now. They want pieces, materials, and experiences that tell a story and feel aligned with their values.
Another huge shift is the blending of industries. I think the future of design will increasingly overlap with wellness, hospitality, events, fitness, and community experiences. Spaces are becoming more multifunctional and experience-driven. That’s something I’m especially excited about because it aligns closely with where we’re growing as a brand, creating environments and experiences that help people feel grounded, inspired, and connected.
I also think sustainability and longevity will continue becoming non-negotiable. Clients are becoming more thoughtful about investing in quality pieces, natural materials, and designs that age well instead of constantly chasing trends.
Overall, I think the industry is moving toward a more human-centered future, spaces that are softer, more intentional, more community-oriented, and designed not just to impress people visually, but to genuinely support how they live and feel.
Pricing:
- 15 Min Virtual Plant Care Consultation -$50
- 45 Min Virtual Plant Care Consultation – $150
- 1 Hour Virtual Plant Design Consult- $350
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.wesleafdesignsanddecor.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wesleafdesignsanddecor/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WesleafDesignsandDecor/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/wesleaf-designs-and-decor
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVgmLe_1VuKuSb6ctgT89qA
