ABOUT
Why Mustard Seed?
Our product selection and designs are centered around the art of entertaining and embellishing the home both inside and out. We believe in authentic living and beautifying everyday life to create a design aesthetic for gardens and homes. Our team of designers and plantsmens hand-pick plants products from local artisans and specialty growers as well as creators worldwide to bring truly one-of-a-kind goods to Blowing Rock.
"Design doesn't just focus on one thing; what makes us unique is that we are creating a lifestyle. Whether you are a novice gardener or a plant expert, we have something for your needs. When buying for our stores, we envision the whole home to blend our styles, from gardens to gatherings, regardless of location."
- Danielle Stewart
Owner & Creative Director
Meet The Team
ROBB STEWART
Co-Owner & CEO
Robb has a degree from the University of Delaware in Agriculture Business with a minor in horticulture. He traded his wing tip shoes for muck boots and is one of the founders of the Mustard Seed organization. Robb specializes in all aspects of the business from trees and shrubs, to landscape design and implementation. He has always had a passion for farming and his love for the outdoors, nature and helping others supplemented by his hard work ethic drove him to open and create the Mustard Seed in 1992 with his wife, Danielle Stewart.
DANIELLE STEWART
Co-Owner & Creative Director
As the lead designer, Danielle has over 30 years of experience in the creative processes as well as a degree from the Art Institute of Philadelphia in Interior Design. Danielle is an expert at interior and exterior design and is the lead on all product assortment and styling at both Mustard Seed locations. Danielle is a highly decorated floral designer with an eye for bold and unique arrangements. Her
Danielle specializes in space planning, room design, color theory, styling, and architectural renderings.
Ian Stewart
Director of Operations
Ian is a second generation Mustard Seed manager and is the eldest of the Stewart children. Ian has a degree in Agriculture Business Management from NC State University with a minor in economics. Ian oversees day-to-day operations at the Mustard Seed and has a vast knowledge of trees, shrubs and landscape design and installation. Prior to his time at the Mustard Seed, Ian was in software sales in the Triangle area and in 2017 returned home to pursue and grow the family business.
Madeline Stewart, ASID
Director of Marketing & Merchandising
Interior Design Project Manager
Madeline graduated from the Wilson College of Textiles at NC State University with a BS in Marketing and Brand Management. Since then, she has worked in marketing and B2B sales in furniture manufacturing. In 2021 Madeline joined the Mustard Seed team with a goal of crating an omni-channel marketing structure for both Mustard Seed locations. Madeline specializes in marketing, public relations, merchandising, interior design and styling, as well as buying for the Mustard Seed shops with Creative Director, Danielle Stewart. Madeline was recognized as a Rising Star in Furniture Today, People To Watch in Home Accents Today, and was the recipient of the 2020 Future Leader Award from WITHIT.
Hannah Sauder
Custom Container & Floral Designer
Greenhouse Lead
Hannah is a second generation floral and custom container designer. Her attention to detail and ability to combine different heights and color palettes gives her a unique and timeless approach to design. Hannah specializes in the creative process surrounding annuals, perennials, houseplants and florals. She also leads in the container design and management of off-site projects for local homes & businesses.
Tripp Spainhour
Tree & Shrub Manager
Tripp started at the Mustard Seed in 2021 and is now the Tree & Shrub manager for the company. Tripp has always had an interest in planting, landscape and retaining plant knowledge and specializes in the tree and shrub category at the garden center. Tripp is hard-working, adaptable and excels in customer service and plant merchandising.
Julia Bailey
Greenhouse Manager & Landscape Design Consultant
Julia joined the Mustard Seed team in 2017 and manages the greenhouse as well as landscape consultations and designs. She has extensive experience in hydroponics, organic gardening, and plant knowledge as well as landscape management and design. Julia has a degree from UNCG in psychology and art and uses these tools in her hand-drawn landscape designs and plans.