First & Bloom

First & Bloom Local, Sustainable, and Beautiful Flowers

Visit www.firstandbloom.com First & Bloom specializes in American grown flowers.

Premium quality flowers, custom design every time, eco-friendly practices, excellence in service. Primary serving Issaquah, Sammamish, and Bellevue areas but please reach out for special requests in the Seattle area. Also, follow our blog, This Country Life at http://www.firstandbloom.com/this-country-life

Tulips in Portland 🌷 These gorgeous, get well tulips shipped yesterday and arrived today. Want to send flowers to someon...
04/03/2024

Tulips in Portland 🌷 These gorgeous, get well tulips shipped yesterday and arrived today. Want to send flowers to someone special and help me with a new product test? 🙋‍♀️ Don't forget! I'm offering an amazing deal on First & Bloom right now. $35 + tax + delivery, and I'll ship local tulips like these, two bunches. These beauties are grown by in Preston, WA.
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Happy Monday, everyone! 💫 Today, I had a brief but eventful visit from my friend .flowers. In preparation for her upcomi...
03/26/2024

Happy Monday, everyone! 💫 Today, I had a brief but eventful visit from my friend .flowers. In preparation for her upcoming sustainable farewell workshop with .creative, she and I ventured into the woods behind my house for moss. It's hard to see in the picture, but I'm showing my muddy leg and elbow. While crossing a small creek bed, I slipped on the mud and fell in. 🤣 It was a rather comical sight. I was grabbing brush, and Lori was pulling me up with a stick. We had a good laugh! Florists will go to any length to get the good stuff! 😉 Also, Lori brought me these beautiful daffodils from her yard, which are now behind my kitchen sink in a vase.

Shipped Tulips Deal! 🌷 Earlier this week, I posted tulips grown by  that were shipped to the east coast. Good news! They...
03/23/2024

Shipped Tulips Deal! 🌷 Earlier this week, I posted tulips grown by that were shipped to the east coast. Good news! They arrived beautifully and on time. Several responded and wanted to help me familiarize myself with this new shipping process by purchasing tulips of their own. Thank you!!!
I'm ready... Next week, I can ship this beautiful buttery-yellow variety called Verona. For $35, you'll receive 2 bunches of local tulips - a smoking good deal! (Some of you might think this deal is crazy... yes, crazy good and will probably not be so low again. Remember, this is about me learning a new process!) You'll need to pay for the shipping and select the 2-day shipping or less. I can't control the shipping costs, but I can tell you the discounts on shipping are around 70%. ---- > follow the link above. 👆
Then, I'll ship the flowers out Mon, Tue, or Wed., only. I cannot make any guarantee on the exact date of arrival. I'm at the mercy of the shipping carriers.
Lastly, all I ask is to let me know when they arrive and perhaps a picture of what they look like after fully hydrated. This helps with quality control and my anxiety levels!
Thank you so much for your willingness to help... if all goes well, I'll be expanding my online shipping collection soon. Please reach out with any questions. 😘

Spring, where are you? 🌷 I have turned into a bit of a hermit these days. It's Quincy who pulls me out. He actually anno...
03/08/2024

Spring, where are you? 🌷 I have turned into a bit of a hermit these days. It's Quincy who pulls me out. He actually annoys me until I relent and put my coat on to venture outside. What gets you outside?

Now that I've spilled the beans on my plans, I want to share some of the results received from last week's unofficial su...
03/06/2024

Now that I've spilled the beans on my plans, I want to share some of the results received from last week's unofficial survey.  
Biz Tip💡 Always keep customer top of mind.  Ask questions and listen to their experiences.  Brands that go deeper and self-reflect generate more loyalty and long-term customers!
This survey was active for about four days.  Sharing it on social, in Facebook groups, and with friends, I'm pretty pleased with 52 participants!  Thank you so much for those who took my survey.  It was so unbelievably helpful and very insightful.  I'll eventually share more of the results, but these three pie charts caught my attention in a big way.  It's clear there's opportunity for fresh flowers on Amazon and sustainability is top of mind.  Stay tuned for more! 💐 (sorry if the font is small on image)

Part 3 👉 For years, I've been wanting to make an impact on the floral industry in a big way. Let's jump right into it. M...
03/05/2024

Part 3 👉 For years, I've been wanting to make an impact on the floral industry in a big way. Let's jump right into it. My second major goal for 2024 is to launch a USA grown and sustainable product line on both Amazon and my brand site. Not everyone is going to be ok with this concept, and I accept that reality.  
While I don't have exact numbers, with certainty, I can tell you millions upon millions of fresh flowers are sold on Amazon every year. Entire companies are dedicated to selling exclusively on Amazon and making millions. If you weren't aware of the magnitude of flowers sold on Amazon, shop "fresh flowers" and you'll see what pops up. The vast majority of these flowers are imported.  I believe the 230 million Amazon users in the United States should have the option to choose between imported flowers and domestic. 💐 Unbeknownst to the average Amazon customer, they choose from the selection available to them.  It's just like any other major grocery store or online retailer. I call this the "mainstream." You know when people say they've never seen the flowers you're selling before? That's because they see the same 10-15 varieties of flowers at grocery stores, Costco, FTD, Teleflora, and so on.  It's just like that on Amazon.  I believe all customers have the right and desire to know their options.  By entering the "mainstream" flower market of major retailers, only then can the local and sustainable floral communities chip away at the unbalanced majority of imported flowers sold in the US every year. 
It's taken me a long time to come around to this concept, but I'm finally here and fully committed.  I have worried a lot about what some people would think of this decision and my choice to sell on Amazon.  I'm here to tell you that I'm an Amazon customer.  Amazon is not all bad, and I take the negative and positive with a grain of salt. If this bothers you, it might be a good time to unfollow me now because I need all the love, support, and positive energy imaginable from today forward. 
Again, thanks to all my supporters and followers. Please send me your 💪 !!!

Sunshine came in the form of purple, double tulips today.  My 💜 melted when I picked up these beauties from . They are s...
03/01/2024

Sunshine came in the form of purple, double tulips today. My 💜 melted when I picked up these beauties from . They are so gorgeous! I kept one bunch for myself and gave another to a friend who had a double mastectomy this week.
Did you know tulips are excellent shippers? Kept cool, they need no water for days. When you cut the stems and add to fresh water, they will perk right up. Tulips also react to sunlight. I have never used any of the tricks associated with tulips. Give them fresh clean water and let their personalities shine!
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Part 2 | Yesterday, I gave a brief recap of the last ten years of First & Bloom.  Now, it's time to share some exciting ...
03/01/2024

Part 2 | Yesterday, I gave a brief recap of the last ten years of First & Bloom.  Now, it's time to share some exciting news about how I've evolved.  I decided there's going to need to be a Part 3... 
If you know me, you know I love e-commerce.  Having a strong background in online retail, I understand how websites work and how customers respond to them.  I built my last three sites and have worked with several different platforms and even attempted to build a mobile app that evolved into a proof-of-concept marketplace (on Shopify). One thing I am not is a coder.  It's not entirely necessary anymore.  Most websites for small business can operate and function very well on many of the mainstream platforms seen today. In fact, Covid pushed these platforms to remarkable levels, enabling the small business owner to achieve amazing self-sufficiency. A website is like virtual real estate.  It puts a stake in the ground, sort of speaking.  It's the customers' first impression and should operate smoothly, even if it's simple. More than ever, the backend mechanics of a site are crucial. Backlinks, SEO, and how a site is discovered on search engines are very important. Thinking like the customer is critical. Every decision I make puts the customer first.  It doesn't mean I don't set boundaries for myself, but customer experience is crucial for the longevity of any business.
Last fall, I made some really big discoveries about how I wanted to evolve in 2024.  One, I found I love helping other small business owners.  I am an entrepreneur to the core. I love new business ideas and figuring out how to make them grow. I've made a lot of mistakes in my past and want to help influence business owners to make fewer.  Failure is inevitable, but it's what is learned from failure that takes a business to the next level.  So, I've been doing business consulting the last few months and LOVE it!!  I've helped revamp two fellow flower friend's sites and have three more businesses on the horizon.  If you are interested in learning more... reach out!!  I would love to talk more! 
Final words to part 2 in the comments below... couldn't squeeze it all in. 😁

Hey there! It's me, Tammy Myers, the owner of First & Bloom.  It's been a minute and time to reintroduce myself. Launchi...
02/28/2024

Hey there! It's me, Tammy Myers, the owner of First & Bloom. It's been a minute and time to reintroduce myself. Launching a decade ago (yes!), I've seen a lot of change within the industry. I've seen many advances in how flowers distribute within retail and wholesale channels and how customers are sourcing their flowers. More unique varieties of flowers are popping up in grocery stores, typically only available through the professionals and at far cheaper prices, too. It's hard being a florist. In fact, it sometimes feels like everyone is their own florist with so many DIY tutorials and influencers sharing ideas. What hasn't changed; though, are some of the institutionalized practices the floral industry will not let go of.
I've been a local and sustainable florist since 2015. One day, while working on flowers for my son's preschool holiday party, I realized I was cutting floral foam on my kitchen counter with a bread knife. Rubbing my fingers together, I noticed a dry film on my hands from a foreign substance after processing flowers with no idea of their source. I had an epiphany. After that, I never wanted to use floral foam again and know where my flowers came from. Since then, I've maintained my promise to sell primarily USA grown product and built a reputation within my community for unique, high quality, and organic designs. I also don't use any preservatives in water, as proper processing and temperature control is key to long-lasting florals. While I've covered almost everything in floristry, I slowly learned my true passion was local delivery. I love the quick turnaround of ordering flowers online and over the phone. As much as I stress about big holidays like Valentine's Day, I love the rush of business.
Outside of work, I'm a country girl at heart. I live with my family in the Snoqualmie Valley, an active volunteer for my son's soccer club, an occasional gardener, love sunsets, a diehard coffee drinker, and my all-time favorite drink is a lemon drop shot. I am a huge country music fan, and if I have to choose between fun with friends and chores, I'll likely choose the friends!

Stay tuned for Part 2.... Tammy's 2024 plans. 😘

Friends, I'd love your help!  I have some questions about shipped flowers.  Would you take my quick survey (only 15 ques...
02/26/2024

Friends, I'd love your help!  I have some questions about shipped flowers.  Would you take my quick survey (only 15 questions)? 
I firmly believe customer feedback and perspective are some of the most valuable information a business can obtain when it comes to creating longevity and loyalty within a company. While it might be hard for a business owner to read at times, the customer's opinion means everything! 
These questions can apply to anyone whether they have shipped flowers or not. Having not shipped flowers before is just as important! Thank you so much! I very much appreciate your perspective. 😘

Yes, I will absorb every second of sun I can get today! 🌞 What a winter's day!
02/22/2024

Yes, I will absorb every second of sun I can get today! 🌞 What a winter's day!

The funeral industry.  😔  I'm sharing one of the best posts I've seen in a while with a bold, in your face kind of reali...
02/22/2024

The funeral industry. 😔 I'm sharing one of the best posts I've seen in a while with a bold, in your face kind of reality. It happens to be posted by my dear florist friend .flowers. No one wants to go through the reality of a funeral. It's painful, traumatic, and incredibly personal.
Did you know 60% of my daily deliveries were for sympathy arrangements? 60%!!!!! Not only was it incredibly rewarding, but funeral work has a massive market share in the floral industry rarely addressed. It sort of goes unnoticed. I've heard florists say many times that it's too sensitive of a topic; too close to the heart. Yes, I understand that and can totally sympathize. I've heard florists say they love getting to know their couples' stories. Along the same lines, it's equally special to celebrate the life of someone who lived an incredible life. Honestly, I rarely talked to the people who ordered sympathy flowers. It was much like all other orders if the site was set up right. Remember, it's a sensitive topic for the person ordering the flowers, too.
However, I took GREAT comfort and pride in knowing I helped that family go through a difficult situation with ease and honor. Making a beautiful design and providing them a smooth process is what was needed and wanted. Additionally, funeral arrangements usually require minimal coordination. It's a quick turnaround and can be as profitable as a wedding without the year or months of planning. That doesn't mean there's exploitation or corruption involved. By florists not leaning into this ignored line of floristry, it's contributing to the powerful leverage manufacturers of floral foams, importers, and online retailers have.
I highly encourage florists to learn more about funeral floristry and here's the perfect opportunity!! Lori Poliski has been doing this work for years and deep dived into the world of funerals at a process level. How the industry works is as important as how to create a beautiful and sustainable casket spray. Together with Alicia Schwede of .creative, they have created a fantastic day-long workshop focused entirely on funerals. I'll post the class details in my comments. 💗

A note on Valentine's Day from a pro who has experienced the holiday eleven times.  I'm seeing several people share thei...
02/07/2024

A note on Valentine's Day from a pro who has experienced the holiday eleven times. I'm seeing several people share their perspective on who to shop from this year. Some are outright bold. Ok. Here's mine.
First and foremost, this holiday is boosted like a Hallmark card. Behind the scenes, it's built in the backs of small businesses. Keep in mind that while the major floral retailers, wholesalers, distributors, and growers are widely profiting from Valentine's Day, they also support thousands of smaller businesses all year. While I'm in the shop small corner, companies like Teleflora, 1-800 Flowers, and more help fill the gaps for local florists. I know this from firsthand experience.
When someone says avoid them, many small businesses rely on their strong platform to survive. Consider a small town in a remote area. If there are no other options, should consumers avoid buying all together? I don't think so. It also doesn't mean the shop isn't selling consciously or in bed with the devil. I partnered with a third party and still provided the same quality in product and service. It was a way to increase my volume and, therefore, profit.
Instead, ask about what shop owners sell that's local and sustainable. Choose companies who are working toward sustainable if not already there. Even if you say no thanks, this is valuable perspective for the business. Take extra time and do the research on options. Don't wait until the last minute. That's when options really are limited.
At the end of the day, remember small businesses are trying to survive. Give them a little grace and remind yourself that positive encouragement just might change their mind next year! 💗

Locally grown tulips for me! 🥰 Thank you, !These tulips are gorgeous! Perfect for a rainy day. If you would love to get ...
02/01/2024

Locally grown tulips for me! 🥰 Thank you, !These tulips are gorgeous! Perfect for a rainy day.
If you would love to get your hands on tulips right now, Joy Blooms Farm has them right now! Reach out to connect.

It's been one year. 365 days since that horrific day. Ironically, it's very windy and grey today, just like one year ago...
01/10/2024

It's been one year. 365 days since that horrific day. Ironically, it's very windy and grey today, just like one year ago.
Unsure of how I'd feel, I planned to lay low. With each glance at the clock, I can recall exactly what happened a year ago at that specific time; cemented in my mind forever. 
While I regularly think about those dreadful moments, they no longer consume my thoughts like before. In fact, recently I took the dog for a walk and passed Mary's rock thinking completely about the science of potholes.  It wasn't until about 50 steps down the driveway I realized I hadn't thought about the accident. The moment stopped me in my tracks. What did that mean? The next day it happened again as I drove passed, consumed in my day. Turning the corner in the woods, I realized I did it again. 
What did it mean? My therapist said it was because I had made peace in my mind about the awful day. Nothing could have been done differently. It still didn't change the outcome. Hearing her words, brought a strange wave of tearful emotion. I explained I wasn't crying out of sadness but happy tears. In my mind, it meant I'd made it to the other side of this experience.  It was no longer my present but a part of my past. 
I want everyone to know I'm at peace. I've accepted that the experience changed me and is now a part of me. It doesn't mean I don't think about the day or Mary. It doesn't mean I don't cry about it from time to time.  Nor does it mean my PTSD is gone.  It just means, it was. 💗

Today, January 4, 2024, is First & Bloom's 10 year anniversary! I can't believe it's been a decade!! These two arrangeme...
01/05/2024

Today, January 4, 2024, is First & Bloom's 10 year anniversary! I can't believe it's been a decade!! These two arrangements are the first and last I designed.
Leaving my role within online media in 2013, I felt completely lost.  Talk about burnout!  At the time, I was completely fed up with people telling me what they thought I should be doing rather than what I wanted to achieve in my career.  The moment I put in my two weeks' notice, my manager looked at me and said, "Are you sure you want to do this?"  With 100% certainty, I said, "Yes, I'm done." And, I was. Since I've watched many of my former colleagues go on to be senior managers, directors, and higher.  At times, I've swallowed hard and wondered where I might be had I stayed. Yet, thinking like that is negative self-talk. What I've gained from choosing to leave the corporate world has made me a stronger, more resilient, resourceful, humble, driven, understanding, empathetic, compassionate, and all-around better person. 
I don't often talk about this, but while it was the right decision to leave, it's been painful at times. A lot of sacrifices were made within my family. Many things given up or took longer because money was stretched further for longer periods of time.  One of the hardest things was and still is how people often treat small business owners. Somehow, small business owners can be perceived as less educated and/or not as fortunate in life.  While this might be true, it's rarely reality.  Entrepreneurship is one of the most challenging and rewarding experiences of my life. Once I turned my back on judgment and opinions I sometimes felt, focusing on my road to profitability became a lot easier. Creating a vision out of thin air that turns into a product or service someone pays and thanks you for is wonderful and a feeling I never experienced in the corporate world.  It's something I created on my own.
Lastly, thank you to all those who have supported me over the years. From family and friends to customers and fellow industry professionals, I wouldn't still be here if it weren't for your love and support. 💗

Last night here. 😞 I shall not forget the incredible sunsets watched  at the Castilla Del Mar in Manzanillo, Mexico.  Th...
12/23/2023

Last night here. 😞 I shall not forget the incredible sunsets watched at the Castilla Del Mar in Manzanillo, Mexico. The colors are truly spectacular from all angles.

Soaking up the sun! 🌞 The area of Manzanillo is truly amazing! It's a hidden gem. This trip, I'm sharing less about flow...
12/21/2023

Soaking up the sun! 🌞 The area of Manzanillo is truly amazing! It's a hidden gem. This trip, I'm sharing less about flowers and more focus on being in the moment. I have seen florista shops, but the predominant fresh flower seen driving past is sunflowers, 🌻 and imported for sure. I see mostly artificial flowers. Honestly, I don't think the flowers could withstand the heat, and I'm guessing most shops don't have coolers. Ohhh, I also see lots of poinsettias all over. It originates from Mexico and a big part of Mexican culture.
But, I have seen several nurseries, many of which were in very small towns. There's obviously a market for buying plants. 🪴

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123 No Public Location/sorry
Issaquah, WA
98027

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Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

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+14254454614

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First & Bloom specializes in American grown flowers. Premium quality flowers, custom design every time, eco-friendly practices, excellence in service. Primary serving Issaquah, Sammamish, and Bellevue areas but please reach out for special requests in the Seattle area.