Our Story
Our Story
Where It All Began
nature+nurture had been slowly growing in my heart, even as my kids and I faced a season of adversity.
Through those difficult years, I realized that the lifestyle we were living—both indoors and out—bonded us through the hardships, built resiliency, inspired thankfulness, and provided safe places for us to reconnect.
I wanted to share the things that had helped us along the way. Things that could protect and heal, strengthen and inspire, at any age.
And so nature+nurture was born.
As an alternative to impersonal warehouse shopping, I wanted to share the best books as I knew them and discovered them, along with art, educational materials, toys, gifts, and anything else that makes a house a home.
And what is a home without Story?
I believe in the power of story, the grounding of nature, and the comfort of bonding through learning—together.
My hope was to create a thoughtfully curated collection that would help awaken wonder and imagination through exploration, play, and story—cultivating a culture of curiosity, creativity, and calm.
From a Little Idea to a Downtown Bookstore
What began as a personal vision gradually became something much bigger.
As a homeschooling mother of five, I've always valued the beautiful connections between literature, nature, art, and everyday learning. I wanted nature+nurture to reflect those things—not simply as a place to buy books and supplies, but as a place to discover ideas, find inspiration, and feel encouraged.
Over time, our little shop grew into an independent bookstore and educational shop in historic downtown Salem, Ohio.
We've had the privilege of meeting so many wonderful people along the way: families and homeschoolers, teachers, readers, artists, naturalists, makers, and people who simply love a good book.
Our shelves have grown to include classic literature, children's books, field guides, nature study resources, art supplies, stationery, and thoughtfully chosen gifts. But the heart of nature+nurture has remained the same.
It's about slowing down enough to notice the world around us. Finding beauty in ordinary things. Learning something new. Sharing stories. Making things with our hands. And creating meaningful connections with one another.
Growing Into Something More
In 2026, we took a tremendous leap and moved nature+nurture into a much larger historic building in downtown Salem.
It's been an enormous undertaking, and we're still growing into the space, but this move represents something I've dreamed about for a long time.
I want nature+nurture to be more than a bookstore.
I want it to be a gathering place. Somewhere people feel comfortable lingering over books, sharing ideas, discovering something new, or simply enjoying a little quiet.
Our expanded space will allow us to bring more of that vision to life, including a dedicated classroom for nature journaling, writing, art, handicrafts, homesteading, and other opportunities to learn together.
I envision author visits, book clubs, homeschool gatherings, workshops, and community events that bring people of different ages, backgrounds, and experiences together.
Our annual nature+nurture maker's market has become another wonderful expression of that vision, celebrating young entrepreneurs, local makers, nature educators, and the creativity within our community.
There is still so much I hope to do, and so much we're learning along the way.
Read More of My Story on this Blog Post -->
Thanks for Growing Alongside Us
Looking back, I realize that the things that inspired nature+nurture in the beginning are still the things guiding it today.
The power of story. The grounding of nature. The importance of home, family, creativity, and learning together.
I hope that when you visit nature+nurture, you'll find more than something to take home. I hope you'll find inspiration, encouragement, a sense of belonging, and perhaps a little space to reconnect with the things that matter most.
Thank you for supporting this little dream as it continues to grow.
Thanks for growing alongside us!
— Tricia
Founder & Curator
Placemaker • Storyteller
More Stories Along the Way
I've always hoped to find more time to write and share what shaped nature+nurture, the musings, the nature walks, the childhood memories around the very places the shop lives among. For now, there are only a few stories here. Perhaps when the dust settles and this little dream has found its footing, I'll find my way back to writing.