Describe your business in one sentence.

Connecting each other through flowers.

Are you an Islander? How did you decide to open a business on Mercer Island?

Yes! I raised my family here and my children are now in their 20s. I was fortunate to buy the business from another longtime Islander, Diane Larson, who bought it from her parents.

Do you remember the moment or time when you told yourself, “I have to do this”?

I was living in Washington D.C., wanting to relocate home to Mercer Island, and, as soon as I heard this opportunity to buy Mercer Island Florist, I knew I was going to leave (my career in) CPA-land.

What makes your business so unique?

We're a part of many Islanders’ biggest moments. From dances to weddings to a remembrance, we deliver the art of flowers. The fact that our small business has been here for more than 50 years shows that we're a valued part of the daily way Islanders show they care for one another. We're a reflection of the thoughtfulness of this community.

What was your experience adapting to the new COVID reality?

Along with adapting to state and local guidelines, we listened intently to our customers’ needs to guide what and how we offered our products and services during this time.

We often say innovation comes from questioning the status quo. Have you uncovered new ways of doing business or launched new products or services that you would not have thought of before? How did it work out?

We expanded and enhanced our e-commerce experience, reached out to Mercer Island businesses to do partnership campaigns, and keep our ears and eyes open to adapt with agility to the ever-changing needs of our customers. Our greatest innovations during this time have come out of returning over-and-over to what we do best: connecting each other through flowers.

If there was a single product, service, ore expertise your business should be known for, what is it?

Our plant care services - pick-up/drop-off, repotting, maintenance, sourcing, and consulting - are a best-kept secret that we'd love to share with more customers!

Tell us something about your business that would surprise us.

White roses are our most-requested flower. Tall Phalaenopsis orchids are our most popular blooming plant. Also, we have a flower club. You should join. :)

What is your favorite Mercer Island spot?

Our plant-filled, colorful, and inviting storefront!

Since you've been in business on Mercer Island, what have you discovered about Islanders or the Island community in general?

It feels like an extended family. You get to know people and the people your children grew up with. It's the perfect small-town feel in the middle of a metropolitan area. Whether it's a birthday, wedding, or a church-event, you feel very connected to the community.

When you aren't working, what's your favorite pastime?

Walking dogs.

If you had to convince a non-Islander to come discover Mercer Island, what would you tell them?

The small businesses here are extremely thoughtfully designed and curated. The products and services offered on the island represent the best of the entrepreneurial spirit. I think because we don't cater to a tourist crowd, but instead to our neighbors on and off the island, the excellence is in the everyday of what the island offers. It's very consistent, and the businesses on this island will make you feel like family.

Learn more about Mercer Island Florist at www.mercerislandflorist.com.