Meet the Owner: Alyssa Piombo
By Maddy Hogan
The woman behind the store Riza Plants is Napa-native, Alyssa Piombo. Piombo grew up admiring plants from a young age, initially inspired by the garden at her grandparents home, and continuing into her college education years in Hawaii. After completing her business degree, Piombo returned home to Napa and worked at a local nursery prior to taking the plunge and starting her own venture, Riza Plants.
Sticking to her proud Grecian heritage, Piombo named the store Riza, Greek for ‘roots’. It is in this plant store that she has created the foundation for plant enthusiasts to not only enjoy, but be educated about plants as well. Her inspiration for Riza was to meet a demand in her hometown and pair that with her passion for plants. Since her opening in October of 2020, Piombo has been impressed and comforted by the huge sense of community she has experienced being a small business owner in Napa. It has brought her closer to her hometown and allowed her to not only learn from others, but also be positively influenced by them as well.
Plant mom/business owner is only one of Piombo’s titles, she is also a human mom and most recently, a dog mom. When asked about what motivates her most as a mom, Piombo stated ‘I want to be a role model for my child to choose a career that is out of the norm.’ Her hard work and dedication is exemplified in all that she does, be it at home with her family, or running around her retail plant store, there is no denying that Piombo is passionate about life.
She is extremely patient and encouraging of new plant parents that are weary of bringing home new greenery. When asked what her best advice is for those hesitant about owning plants, she told us ‘there is a plant for everyone. If you travel a lot and need a plant that will thrive on neglect, then a snake plant or ZZ are the choice for you. If you work from home and have the time to attend to a needier plant, there are lots of options from calatheas to more rare species. There is even something to offer those with pets that need a non-toxic option just in case your furry friends decide to have a little snack.’
To know Piombo’s passion for plants is to walk into Riza and experience the atmosphere yourself. Located at Napa’s First Street in downtown at Suite 355, between Eiko’s and Copperfield’s, you are sure to find Piombo full of life and fresh detoxified air in her stunning retail shop. Stop by and check out her latest offerings, pick up an educational plant book, or get your current plant babies repotted and ready for the growing season!
