The History of GreenleafUpdated 11 hours ago
From Greenhouse to Home Fragrance: Our 50-Year Journey
Founded in 1975 by Bob and Sylvia Caldwell in Spartanburg, South Carolina, Greenleaf began as something completely different-a wholesale greenhouse business.
How It All Started
The Entrepreneurial Leap (1975)
Bob and Sylvia took a bold step and launched their wholesale greenhouse in Spartanburg, South Carolina. Like many greenhouse businesses, they faced the challenge of highly seasonal revenue-busy during planting season, slow the rest of the year.
A Scented Discovery
Looking for a way to offset the seasonal nature of their business, Sylvia returned from a craft show with a small packet of scented vermiculite. That simple discovery sparked an idea.
In the basement of their home, using Sylvia's harvest gold Sunbeam Mixmaster kitchen mixer, they developed something new: the first scented envelope sachet.
An Unexpected Success
What started as a side product to balance seasonal sales launched Greenleaf into home fragrance-and grew their small business far beyond anything they could have imagined.
Our Roots in Independent Retail
From the very beginning, independent retailers have been our preferred way of distributing products. We're incredibly grateful for the trust and loyalty of our retail partners over these many years.
A Family Legacy
Greenleaf remains family-owned to this day. We're especially proud to have third-generation family members now working in the business, carrying forward Bob and Sylvia's vision.
Our faithful and talented employees have been instrumental in building Greenleaf into what it is today-we couldn't have done it without them.
Celebrating 50 Years
In 2025, we're celebrating our 50th anniversary. From a basement kitchen mixer to a thriving home fragrance company, we feel blessed to have served customers and communities for half a century.
Key Milestones:
- 1975: Bob and Sylvia Caldwell start wholesale greenhouse business in Spartanburg, SC
- Late 1970s: First scented envelope sachet created in home basement
- 2011: Bob Caldwell, Jr. and Sarah visit Haiti; seeds of Greenleaf Cares planted
- 2025: Celebrating 50th anniversary as a family-owned business
Our Location
Spartanburg, South Carolina has been our home from day one. We remain rooted in the community where Bob and Sylvia first started their greenhouse business five decades ago.
What Makes Us Different
- Family-Owned: Third generation now working in the business
- Independent Retail Focus: Supporting local shops and boutiques since 1975
- Community-Minded: Giving back through initiatives like Greenleaf Cares
- Made in America: Fragrances developed and products made in Spartanburg, SC
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Greenleaf founded?
Greenleaf was founded in 1975 by Bob and Sylvia Caldwell.
Where is Greenleaf located?
We're headquartered in Spartanburg, South Carolina, where we've been since day one.
Is Greenleaf still family-owned?
Yes! We remain family-owned with third-generation family members now working in the business.
What was Greenleaf's first product?
Our first home fragrance product was a scented envelope sachet, created by Sylvia Caldwell using her kitchen mixer in the basement of their home.
How did Greenleaf go from greenhouses to home fragrance?
Looking to offset the seasonal nature of their greenhouse business, Sylvia discovered scented vermiculite at a craft show and experimented with creating scented sachets-launching an entirely new direction for the company.
From a small greenhouse business to a beloved home fragrance brand-thank you for being part of our 50-year story.