Small Business Spotlight: Broadway Blooms Floral Boutique
Listen to Amy Rasp and Julie Webb talk about their Jackson business Broadway Blooms Floral Boutique and one thing is clear: they love working together and their can-do spirit is contagious. Today they are putting the finishing touches on a new downtown storefront but the business is already familiar to Jackson. In fact, Broadway Blooms is the new “it place” to buy modern floral designs and unique gifts.
They pride themselves on creating floral arrangements that look and feel special. “If someone asks for something that’s traditional, we are happy to do that but we also like to provide options that are modern and unique,” Amy explained.
That means employing some different kinds of flowers and greenery in their arrangements, soft blanket options in addition to funeral throws, and gift items that aren’t commonly found around town like Ohio shaped cutting boards. Get well gift baskets featuring local honey and festive gift boxes for the teacher in your life can be customized. Crossbody bags, Warmies products, stuffed animals, candy bouquets, windchimes and adorable gifts for the new big brother or big sister would make any recipient feel appreciated.
Plus, they have a selection of seasonal plants like hydrangeas and tulips alongside succulents and other houseplants. Amy explained they are working hard to give customers what they want. “The plants have been incredibly popular. We’re working on stocking things that are a little different but that we think people will truly enjoy. The other thing is that we have a price point in mind. Jackson is a small town but we still deserve nice things. We just have to make sure they’re nice and affordable,” Amy said.
For those who know these Jackson natives, this new partnership should come as no surprise. They met in middle school, went to the same college and both pursued careers in dentistry. Each of them had careers in dental hygiene for more than twenty years and worked together for most of that time. “We’ve been best friends for years and years. Our kids are the same ages, our husbands are best friends, we’ve worked together and we just truly enjoy each other,” Amy explained.
That’s part of the reason they wanted to embrace their entrepreneurial spirit together. In fact, they along with another friend and colleague Vanessa Hitchcock, had been talking about opening a business together for a long time. After watching others pursue their dreams, they decided it was time to get busy building on their own ideas. So, they looked around Jackson to see what was needed and they realized the city really needed another florist.
Julie said they started out by taking orders for Homecoming flowers in her garage. When that went well, they continued to build and grow until it became clear the garage was no longer enough. Unfortunately, it was around this time that Vanessa had to step back from the business when life became too hectic between the business and her family’s schedule.
It was during this period that they chose relocate the business to downtown. In this location, Julie and Amy believe the foot traffic combined with a beautiful storefront will serve them well. In fact, Julie said they are excited to be part of the downtown business community and are seeking ways to be an active participant in the community through events like the Jackson Area Chamber of Commerce’s First Thursday.
They have many plans for the future including classes and workshops to help others learn seasonal skills such as wreath making, and creating a succulent garden.
In addition, they offer rentals for weddings and events including arches, backdrops and a bouquet bar. They said the bouquet bar is an especially perfect addition to any shower, wedding, birthday party or Mother’s Day luncheon.
Broadway Blooms can provide flowers for events and occasions both large and small including weddings. From the happy events like housewarming flowers to life’s difficult moments including funeral and get-well gifts, Amy and Julie say every order is important.
Julie recalled some recent flower deliveries and what it means to hand someone a bouquet. “I took flowers to a woman one day. Her husband had just died and she cried. I just gave her a big hug because she needed it. There’s a lot of emotion and reaction to giving someone flowers,” she said.
Amy elaborated. “Flowers for a new mom and baby is always sweet. There are tears sometimes but there are a lot of smiles too. We just hope we make someone else’s day better.”
Follow them on Facebook and visit their website for more information and to place an order. Better yet, stop by the shop at 233 Broadway Street to meet Amy and Julie and to check out their selection of merchandise. They try to keep the cooler stocked with some grab and go arrangements but are happy to make up something special just for you while you wait.
Also, be sure to stop by their official grand opening on Thursday, April 3 at 5 p.m. They will celebrate their grand opening with a ribbon cutting by the Chamber of Commerce, snacks, drawings and the bouquet bar they are so well known for around town.