12/01/2023
As I’ve taken a major step back from the Bloom Box world over the past few months, I’ve decided it’s time to fully embrace this new season of life. It’s time to stop trying to wear allllll the hats. It goes without saying, that it’s been a difficult decision to step away from something I love so dearly and have poured so much of my literal blood, sweat, and tears into. So many of you have been along on this crazy ride with us, and for that I am eternally grateful.
A major part of my hesitation in walking away from 10 S Mechanic is that we transformed that place from an empty shell into something absolutely jaw dropping, and I’m so proud. We did this through the toughest season of my life. Covid obviously took a toll on all of us, and in that same season, my husband and I lost both of our moms, and our kids lost their MeeMaw and MawMaw. To say they played a major role in our lives is an understatement. Losing 2, now 3, of the most important women in our lives has really changed my perspective, and I don’t want to miss one more thing.
When I got into the wedding biz, my kids were 2-6, with only one in school and just starting to dabble in athletics. We now have four kids that are involved in every activity under the sun. They are now almost 9-13 🥹 I only have a little over 1 year left until my oldest is headed to high school, and the other three aren’t far behind. That absolutely guts me. I want to be available to them and all their things without the guilt. When I dove into this business head first, I didn’t consider that the busiest months of wedding season were also the busiest months of baseball and football season, nor did I even know what that meant for our lives at the time 😵💫 Being a sports mom/ coach’s wife is not for the weak. Our season has MAJORLY changed, so it’s time to lean in.
I’m excited to say that our space and hard work will not be going to waste, and Cafe Mark will be expanding their space into our side of the building! As a major Cafe Mark fan, I’m pumped!! Cafe Mark was one of the reasons I fell in love with Downtown Cumberland so long ago, so I’m blessed that it’s coming full circle. Hoping this move brings a lifetime of free lattes, but that’s still in negotiations 😉
This isn’t a “goodbye forever”, but a “see you later!” I’m still a creative, a planner, and a builder, so it would be impossible to fully walk away from that calling, but definitely making some major changes and leaning into this new season with my family. You can fully expect to see a workshop or flower bar pop up at local businesses in the area, so keep your eyes peeled. My wheels haven’t stopped turning, they are just taking another route.
Over the next few weeks, I’ll be selling a good bit of our inventory like vases, flower pots, containers, wedding decor, etc. Cafe Mark will be utilizing a lot of our furniture, but I do have some of that for sale as well. I’ll keep you posted!
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To our brides, new moms, party throwers and party goers, and everyone else who has supported our floral design studio and event lounge over the years, THANK YOU. It has been an inspiration and absolute pleasure bringing your visions to life. You all made us look so good 🤩 Even more than that, so many of you have become family to us. I truly have enjoyed watching your families grow. Please feel free to share your favorite Bloom Box photos on this post. I’m all in my feels today 🥰
To my ride or dies, Amanda and Lauren, thank you so much for taking this journey with me. Amanda, we’ve come a long way, baby! The stories we could tell 🫣 But truly, I couldn’t have done this without you! You truly have a gift, my friend. Lauren, you’re my favorite person I ever hired from the streets 😉 God sure knew what He was doing when He brought you to us 🤍 I’m so thankful our hearts connected and our friendships go beyond Bloom Box 🫶🏻
To Jacki and Heather, thank you for always stepping up and being the best darn event hosts and holiday delivery drivers this area has ever seen 💐 I’ll see you at the field, my friends 😉
To my landlord, Ed Mullaney. Thank you for believing in me and my vision. Thank you for never wavering in your love for Cumberland. Friday After Five, all those years ago, is what brought me to Cafe Mark, and look at us now! Thank you for allowing us to bloom and grow in your beautiful building. I know I’ve told you a million times, but you sure do have a gem there 💎
To my dad, thank you for believing in me and installing the most beautiful ductwork this area has ever seen 🤍 Thank you for never doubting me when I asked you to paint it gold 😬. Thank you for always finding a way to build what I’m envisioning - whether it’s gold spiral duct, a 7’ hexagon, a custom built L-shaped commercial sink, or 100 metal footballs, megaphones, and boots - you take my crazy ideas and bring them to life. Thank you for all of that and more. Thank you, most of all, for teaching me to dream big and always think outside of the box.
To my mom, I sure do miss you 🕊 Thank you for being my number one supporter always. Thank you for telling me my flowers were beautiful, even when I didn’t have the slightest clue what I was doing. Thank you for never doubting my potential, for keeping me straight, and for pouring so much into us and your grandkids. Thank you for showing me that the most beautiful place to be is sitting with your kids - whether it’s playing cards, matching socks, watching a ballgame, or spinning roses. It’s not what you’re doing, it’s who you’re with. Thank you for being my first facebook and google reviews, buying the first ticket to every workshop, and spinning all those roses for our first Bloom Box wedding. I can still see you sitting there with the biggest smile on your face 🤍
To my husband and kids, thank you for never complaining when I was up to my eyeballs in building this dream. Thank you for fully embracing all of those lunchables at the ball field because I didn’t have the foresight to put something in the crockpot lol. Thank you for helping me set up a million events, make a million bud vases, and deliver a million flowers. Thank you for fully understanding when I say it’s time to pivot, and for giving me the time to come to grips with that decision. Thank you for growing with me through every season, and being a constant reminder that we can do hard things. I love you more than anything in this entire world. Mama’s coming home 🤍
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All my love,
Lori
