Today we’d like to introduce you to Mary McCarthy.
Mary, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
Having followed my husband’s career across two continents, I arrived in The Woodlands, Texas July 2001 and immediately saw the potential: I’ve always yearned to own my own business and here was a place with a business-friendly outlook everywhere I turned. So with a little home equity and a lot of sweat equity, I opened my first flower shop. The unit was 950 square feet and together with my staff of one, I did everything from processing flowers, arranging bridal bouquets, delivering Valentine’s bouquets, dealing with suppliers, chasing late payments and negotiating partnership contracts with local venues.
The business recipe was simple.: Create and deliver stunning arrangements that allowed our customers to express their love, joy, happiness or sorrow. The communications recipe was also simple : Laser focus on local networking groups and the Chamber of Commerce to establish presence. Today we’re in 4000 square feet with a permanent staff of nine. We own five delivery vehicles and deliver floral expression to The Woodlands, Spring, Conroe, Magnolia, Tomball and Northern Houston communities surrounding the Grand Parkway.
Has it been a smooth road?
The Houston area has been blessed by a thriving local economy driven primarily by the Oil and Gas Industry. This buffered us considerably from the worldwide financial shocks of 2008. However, the past three years have seen significant stress within that Industry that has directly translated into many local layoffs and a softening business environment. To counter this downturn we closed a satellite shop last December and reduced our staffing level to the core team that we have today.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
The Blooming Idea is a group of talented artists who are passionate about floral design. There are no less than four designers within the group who have attained recognition as Certified Floral Designers within the American Institute of Floral Design. This entails a rigorous testing of design and artistic skill which few master. For example I was one out of seven members of my testing class of thirty who were accepted back in 2013. In addition to design, we are passionate about customer service. Our delivery and operations staff are second to none and totally recognize the importance of successful delivery and presentation to the recipient.
Is our city a good place to do what you do?
Our city offers world-class infrastructure and an incredible work/life environment. I would not hesitate to recommend starting here to anyone with a passion and the drive to establish a business.
Pricing:
- “What a beautiful arrangement” starts around $80.00
- We can get you “Wow” from $190.00
- “Oh my G… He’s lost his mind” is about $400.00
Contact Info:
- Address: 25915 Budde Rd,
Suite 400, Spring, TX 77380 - Website: www.thebloomingidea.com
- Phone: 281-465-4288
- Email: info@thebloomingidea.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebloomingidea/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bloomingidea/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/thebloomingidea
- Other: https://www.flickr.com/photos/thebloomingidea/albums
Getting in touch: VoyageHouston is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
