It is shameful to see these three reviews below when I personally know they're a little distorted because I saw what happened. We are in a time right now where everyone is very opinionated, as they should be - everyone has the absolute right to their own opinion and everyone is most definitely dealing with these times differently, which I believe is fair to say. However, I know this owner and have spoken to her often regarding whats going on right now. She is older yes and after her seeing many looters break down stores on the news, she may have reacted abruptly yes, but it was only in a fear I believe that her store was at risk. She wasn't saying anything other than "go home" and things of this nature, in my eyes just out of fear.. which I think we should all take into consideration given everything that is happening. I am not saying its right, but it is absolute no reason to say she is racist, because she is not. I saw her yelling, but we must remember how everyone is feeling so many things right now, but I understand the way it may have come off to the peaceful protesters. I just felt it was important because I know her personally and know what a great person she is. She is an ex ESL teacher for foreigners.. to all races. She loved her students and her students adored her as they come into the store often to thank her for teaching them English, I've witnessed it. She does not judge people whatsoever on where they come from and again, I know this personally. She is in no way shape or form racist, and I think we all need to just take a deep breath before judging each other.. especially right now. We are in an extremely tough time right now and everyone is dealing with these events differently. We have to remember that. If we can learn anything from this, it is to not judge one another and to try to replace hate with love, acceptance and respect. Again I say, she might not have been correct at that moment, but I do believe with the given events, she was just reacting out of fear of the looting so I do say yes to the peaceful protesters how it probably seemed, but Helena in my eyes was reacting out of fear from the destructive events to small businesses that has occurred and that she has seen on the news. So ..just something to take into consideration before you label her as a racist. As far as the "dead plants" go, that just comes off as a jab out of anger to her store. As you can see below, this shop is over 45 years in business and has never had anything less than 5 stars so that speaks for itself. Her passion is people and plants and I felt inclined to write this because we must be fair to everyone here.. again I say these are tough times and we have to respect each other and respect everyone's fear in a time like this that is unhinged but also very important for a great change. Spread love.. its the Brooklyn way.. xx read more