Micro Plant Studio

Hi everyone, Julio here, owner of Micro Plant Studio.

I’ve been keeping my head down and working hard lately, but today, Sunday, I walked into something that truly broke my heart.

Over Pride weekend here in Boston, our sidewalk A-frame sign—which proudly reads, "First Latinx Plant Store in New England: Southie Pride"—was vandalized three separate times. The first video shows a guy deliberately doubling back just to kick it, causing over $500 in damages. Both signs are cracked, and the frame is shattered.

Worse than the damage was the ripple effect it created. Other groups passed by afterward, stopped to film it, pulled at it, or pushed what was left of it to the ground. Another group walked right behind them and did absolutely nothing. Is this the society we want to be a part of? Hate easily spreads like wildfire.

But hate will never win in my heart.

The very last video shows the society I actually believe in. Two guys walked by early this morning, reached out, and stood our broken sign back up. That simple act shows who they truly are, the values instilled in them, and the world they want to build—one that respects those who are different and protects the things that bring joy to others.

I called the police, but a report doesn't change the fact that people are hurting others just for being different. The police can only do so much; they can't instill empathy or good values in people. We need to be more like those last two guys who lifted that sign off the ground with pride. It’s up to each of us to love and respect one another. I can replace a broken sign, but I cannot change a hateful heart. Only a community can do that by looking out for one another.

If you recognize anyone in these videos, please contact the Boston Police. And if you know the two guys who picked the sign up, please tell them to stop by Micro Plant Studio—I’d love to thank them personally.

To the Southie community that has stood by us for 8 years, watching me fail and succeed: thank you for continuing to choose love. Let’s keep looking out for each other. 🏳️‍🌈🌱 view all videos and photos: https://www.instagram.com/p/DZSnKXhlk48/?igsh=NTgwbWlld3dyNnRx