WILLIAMSBURG-Whether you’re honoring the birth of a child, a friend’s birthday, or sending condolences, Rebecca Gibson, the owner of Blessing and Blooms Florist is looking forward to assisting you with your floral needs. Gibson is holding a soft opening of her new flower shop on Wednesday, July 5.
“We’ll start off by taking phone and online orders for delivery on July 5 and then we’ll open the store to the public with a grand opening on August 19,” said Gibson. In addition to flowers and plants, the shop will also sell a variety of unique gifts, including stuffed animals, balloons, candy, fruit and gift baskets, scented candles, silk flower arrangements, home décor, greeting cards, and more.
The shop is located at 1430 High St., Suite 1104, in Williamsburg.
“I bought the business from the previous floral shop owner who ran 1-800 Colonial from our storefront,” said Gibson. Gibson said her mother, Chong Britt, will assist with the business. Britt has worked in the floral industry for 45 years, starting off at the Williamsburg Pottery and working at multiple other floral shops throughout the years.
“She’s come out of retirement numerous times to help floral shops during their busy seasons,” said Gibson.
Britt nurtured her daughter’s green thumb through the years. When Gibson was 14, she obtained her first job.
“Because my mom was working in the floral industry, my first job was dethorning roses,” said Gibson. In addition to her mother, Gibson’s three daughters will also help out at the shop.
The interior of Blessing & Blooms Florist is currently under construction.
“Right now, we’re redecorating and positioning the store to be a gift shop as well,” said Gibson. “We’ll be featuring local and regional products from the area and will have a terrarium bar where people can come in and make their own terrariums,” said Gibson. The terrarium items will feature succulents and air plants that require very little water.
Gibson said she’s spent the past several weeks getting to know other local business owners in the area in hopes of featuring their products as well.
“I’ve been making a lot of connections with local farmers that grow regional flowers like lilacs, tulips, and daffodils,” said Gibson. “We’re also in the process of getting our ABC license to be able to showcase some of the local wines in gift baskets and arrangements that people can pick up in person.”
She’s also partnering with local artisans to expand her selection of gifts.
“We’re designing the store to be a one-stop gift shop, so in addition to farmers, I’ll be working with local artisans as well to acquire things like goat’s milk soaps and lotions,” said Gibson.
After the shop’s grand opening, Gibson will offer a variety of classes in the evening.
“For example, when the lavender season arrives, we’ll be hosting a lavender wreathmaking class,” said Gibson. “We’re also planning on holding a scented goat’s milk class for people to make their own soaps, so we’ll be offering a variety of fun classes for people to check out.”
The floral shop will be open from 9am to 5pm Monday through Friday and 9am to 2pm on Saturday. For more information about Blessing & Blooms Florist, visit its website, Facebook page, or call 757-528-8756.