Our Story

FOUNDER

With a cultural heritage that extends from Kyoto to Sacramento, Kifumi Keppler, owner and founder of Exotic Plants, infuses her shop and business with the Japanese aesthetics of plants, a discipline she immersed herself in while growing up in Japan. Born in Kyoto, Kifumi studied Ikebana for many years, the art of Japanese flower arrangement based on strict rules, and also mastered the tea ceremony and several Japanese musical instruments.

While living in Japan, Kifumi became passionate about videography and was invited to attend California State University Sacramento on the prestigious Fulbright Scholarship at the age of 23. After graduation, she pursued a career as a film editor and producer at KCRA, where she showcased her talent in a ten-part series about her home country of Japan. Although she loved the industry, Kifumi discovered aspects of her profession that were less than ideal.

That’s when plants came back into her life in a big way. While assisting the owner of a local plant business, Kifumi became fascinated with the spiritual aspect of plants and how they respond to the personality of their caregiver and those around them. After reading "The Secret Life of Plants" by Peter Tompkins, her intrigue and appreciation for plants' awareness and perception grew even stronger. Since that time, Exotic Plants has thrived as a business, and Kifumi's artistic passions have continued to grow.

Her latest venture into moss art exemplifies the ingenuity and beauty of her creations. Last year in September, Kifumi Keppler and Exotic Plants celebrated our 51st anniversary, a testament to her dedication and love for the industry. Alongside her remarkable success, Kifumi's kindness and creativity have nurtured the growth of beautiful and unique plant life throughout the Sacramento area.

GENERAL MANAGER

Meet Jess, our General Manager, whose connection with Exotic Plants transcends the mere span of her official four-year tenure. With her father having been an integral part of our team since the inception of EP, Jess's relationship with our green sanctuary spans a lifetime. Brought up in the nurturing embrace of Exotic Plants, Jess is a firm believer in the tranquility and serenity that plants bestow. She finds solace in the peaceful presence they bring to any space, whether it's the interior coziness or the outdoors' natural charm. For Jess, the allure of plants lies in their ability to infuse beauty into every nook and cranny. Among her cherished flora, the PassionVine takes a special place, primarily for the delicate butterflies it attracts – the captivating Gulf Fritillary aka Passion butterflies as some call it. Additionally, the Peacock (Calathea makoyana), ferns, and all things blossoming resonate deeply with her botanical soul. Beyond her green pursuits, Jess's creativity finds expression in other realms. Crafting intricate charcuterie boards, orchestrating unforgettable gatherings, and embarking on melodic adventures at concerts all form part of her multifaceted persona. Jess embodies more than just a managerial role; she embodies the “Team Mom” title very well. Her unswerving dedication and genuine reverence for the staff and shop inspire us daily.

SHOP MANAGER / PLANT PROCURMENT SPECIALIST

Maxon has been an indispensable member of the Exotic Plants team for over two and a half years. For Maxon, plants have always served as a profound connection to nature, representing a deep and personal bond. When it comes to choosing a favorite plant, it's like asking a parent to pick their favorite child. With a decade-long passion for plant collecting, Maxon's favorites have evolved over time, ranging from Nepenthes to Bulbophyllum, Hoyas to Caudiciforms. However, at this moment, his 35-year-old Dracaena Marginata holds a special place in his heart. A fascinating fact about Maxon is his remarkable ability to identify plants with precision, recognizing their scientific names and genera. Feel free to test his knowledge by pointing at or asking about any exotic species during your visit. Maxon will be thrilled to share his expertise and passion with you, he will also be another primary point of contact for “Outside Sales”.

MARKETING / MEDIA / GRAPHIC DESIGN MANAGER

Meet Sammie, our vibrant Marketing and Graphic Design Supervisor at Exotic Plants, infusing creativity into our team for over a year. Passionate about plants, she finds a profound connection to nature and the universe through their energies and intricate root systems, which intriguingly mirror our own nervous system. Syngoniums, Caladiums, Begonias, Gynura (purple passion plant), and the Red Emerald Philodendron currently top her list of favorite plants. Beyond her botanical affinity, Sammie also tattoos and has an exciting background as a competitive cheerleader for an impressive 18 years. In 2016, she and her team received a full-paid bid to The Cheerleading Worlds, where they secured an impressive 4th place globally. If you spot Sammie capturing the essence of our shop through her lens, be sure to extend a warm hello!

INSTALL MANAGER/ TECH

Nick has been a valued member of the Exotic Plants team for a year and some change. From a young age, Nick developed a deep connection with nature and plants, spending time in the garden with his mom and grandma. This early exposure instilled in him a genuine appreciation for the beauty of plants, the wonders of nature, and the captivating world of wildlife. Being surrounded by plants or immersing himself in the great outdoors brings Nick a sense of immense stress relief. In these moments, he finds himself more focused, creative, and driven, embracing a newfound ambition. Among the vast array of plant species, Nick's favorite is the Euphorbia Ammak, a succulent resembling cacti in appearance. It holds a special place in his heart. Additionally, it's worth noting that Nick was born with Spina bifida, showcasing his resilience and determination in overcoming challenges. Whether you encounter Nick at the shop or as one of our valued residential or commercial customers, you can count on his friendly and welcoming demeanor. Look for him in-store or during installations, as he continues to contribute his expertise and passion to our team.

TECH MANAGER

Meet Lisa, a dedicated member of the Exotic Plants family for an impressive span of 15 years. As our esteemed Tech Supervisor, Lisa oversees all aspects of our commercial and residential sites, ensuring that each space thrives with botanical splendor. Lisa's appreciation for plants goes beyond their innate beauty; she revels in how they can transform and enhance any home or living space. Her favorites include the graceful Kentia Palms, a wide array of orchids spanning various species and genera, the timeless Norfolk Pines, and the enchanting world of ferns in all their delightful variations. Beyond her green thumb, Lisa has a fascinating passion for 80s rock music, and she holds a special place in her heart for the legendary Eddie Van Halen. Her enthusiasm for both plants and music makes her a vibrant and multi-faceted individual. Don't hesitate to connect with Lisa during your visit. Whether you want to explore our plant varieties or have questions about transforming your own space into a lush oasis, Lisa is here to assist you. Swing by and strike up a conversation with her – she's always ready to share her knowledge and passion!

INSTALL / SHOP ASSOCIATE

Jordan, an indispensable member of the Exotic Plants team since May, brings his enthusiasm and expertise to our store as well as our commercial and residential sites. With a fondness for the Sakura (Cherry Blossom), he has a deep appreciation for its beauty. He appreciates how they symbolize beauty, purity, and the fleeting nature of life, which adds a poetic and romantic charm to their allure. Beyond his work, Jordan finds joy in various creative pursuits, including music, art, and cooking. He loves engaging with others and enjoys a wide range of music genres, excluding country. When you visit our store, be sure to say hello to Jordan and experience his passion for plants and vibrant personality.

SHOP ASSOCIATE

Meet Andrew, our resident plant enthusiast, who has been an integral part of the Exotic Plants family for four wonderful years. His passion for plants goes beyond just scratching "the collector's itch"; it extends to conducting research and providing an array of care conditions for these fascinating botanical wonders. Andrew's profound love for plants is reflected in his two favorite groups – orchids and carnivorous plants. Their charismatic nature, diverse forms and functions, and intriguing inter-specific interactions, particularly with insects, captivate his heart. A fun and interesting fact about Andrew is that he recently achieved his B.S. in evolution, ecology, and biodiversity, with a minor in entomology, from the prestigious UC Davis. He continues to engage in research on insects, plants, and their interactions with each other, with a primary focus on chemical ecology. We invite you to swing by and have a chat with Andrew. Whether you want to learn about various plant species or explore the world of terrariums for various insects, he's the go-to person for all things botanical. Come and experience the joy of plants with Andrew at Exotic Plants!

DELIVERY SUPERVISOR / TECH

Meet Andy, an enduring member of the Exotic Plants family for an impressive 35 years! Holding the pivotal role of Delivery and Installation Supervisor, Andy is deeply passionate about plants for the unique characters and energies they bring to life. Among his cherished plants is the elegant Dracaena Marginata, as featured in the picture above. It's a testament to his enduring love for the greenery he helps nurture and install. Beyond his botanical expertise, Andy finds solace and tranquility in camping along the picturesque California, Oregon, or Washington coastlines, also known as the magnificent West Coast. If you happen to encounter Andy during your visit to our store, don't hesitate to say hello. His wealth of experience and serene nature make for delightful interactions, reflecting the enduring spirit of Exotic Plants.

FLORAL / TECH

Kirstine has been an integral part of Exotic Plants for 7 years, starting as an associate in our retail shop and showcasing her dedication and enthusiasm. With her talents, she moved into the office, becoming an invaluable assistant to Kifumi, and eventually assumed the role of office manager, bringing efficiency to our operations. However, Kirstine's true passion lies in the hands-on world of plants, leading her back to the shop as our esteemed floral tech. Her deep affection for plants, vibrant colors, and calming presence, along with her extensive expertise as a seasoned horticulturist, make her an invaluable asset to our team. Kirstine holds a special fondness for the captivating string of hearts, considering it her favorite plant among the vast array of botanical wonders. Pay a visit to our shop and meet Kirstine, who will be delighted to assist you with any inquiries or questions about florals and arrangements.

SHOP ASSOCIATE

Jeffrey, also known as Jeff, started working with Exotic Plants in March of 1984. Over the years, he has worked both part-time and full-time, and currently, he is available on-call for a few days each week. Jeff's love for plants stems from their incredible variety and uniqueness. Among all the plants, he has a special affinity for palms and succulents, finding them truly enchanting. A fascinating fact about Jeff is that he is not only a photographer but also cultivates perennial vegetables. Jeff is known for his elusive presence, like Exotic Plants’ very own "Where's Waldo." Keep an eye out for Jeff and see if you’re lucky enough to say hello and ask him some questions!

HANDYMAN

Introducing Sean, a valued member of the Exotic Plants team for approximately 2 fruitful years. His versatile contributions have spanned across various facets of the shop, earning him titles like Handyman, I.T. Representative, and a central figure in our Moss Art creations. Additionally, Sean showcases his skillset as an installation technician, enhancing our store's aesthetic and functionality. Sean's craftsmanship knows no bounds; he's the creative force behind many of the store's custom builds, including frames and the captivating propagation wall adorning our register area. His dedication to shaping the physical environment of the store is truly commendable. When it comes to plants, Sean's preferences lean towards the fascinating world of carnivorous plants and fruit trees. He's drawn to plants that offer more than just aesthetic appeal – those that provide tangible benefits or unique interactions. His botanical choices reflect his practical and curious approach to greenery. Intriguingly, Sean has an extraordinary culinary skill – he's a master at roasting whole Hawaiian Pigs. Additionally, he has a deep fondness for fishing, with his most impressive catch being a whopping 50lb King Salmon in the waters of Alaska. While Sean's presence at the shop might be occasional, seize the opportunity to exchange greetings if you spot him.