Woman Turns Passion for Art, Teaching into Successful Business

Tracey Flanigan, Owner of Art In Bloom, said her Brighton business was founded in July 2010.

Flanigan recently submitted information about the business to Patch. If you have a business and want to participate in Patch's Small Business Shout Out you can fill out the form here.

How did your business come to be?: The business is basically a combination of all of my interests...flowers, art and teaching. The name Art In Bloom represents the fresh floral designs we create, the lovely local artwork on display throughout the boutique and the idea of helping budding artists to "bloom." I have a background in floral design, as well as a k-12 teaching certificate in art.

What's a fact about your business that most customers probably don't know?: I have set up the store to allow customers to enjoy art and flowers in one setting and often hear exclamations of surprise when they realize the flowers they have touched are actually fresh. The idea is more of a European style display for the flowers with buckets and vases set up within the displays providing a sensory experience. What I don't think most customers realize is that I have a huge walk-in cooler in the back room where most of my flowers are stored and put away when I am closed.

What services does your business provide?: Art In Bloom is a full service florist. I design floral creations for everyday occasions as well as funerals, weddings and events. Daily deliveries are made throughout Livingston County. My background as an artist has brought a unique look to my business. Each month I feature the work of a different local artist on the walls and gift items in the boutique range from locally created glass hummingbirds to hand built ceramics shaped like pea pods and asparagus vessels. Additionally, the location serves as a studio space when I am teaching young artists to draw and paint. I teach art classes to children and teens ages 6 and up with the gallery/boutique serving as inspiration and providing still life ideas.

What do you want your business to be best known for?:
Unique floral arrangements with attention to detail. I ask a lot of questions when taking an order and do my best to reflect back what a customer requests in the finished design.

What's your most popular product or service?: Wedding florals have been by far, my most popular service. Art In Bloom offers options for every type of wedding and every budget. Some of the more more interesting settings have been a Lake Michigan beach wedding and a barn wedding at Misty Farms in Ann Arbor. However, I deliver and set up flowers to many local sites and find it impressive how many great locations there are here in Livingston County, each with it's own twist.

When was the business founded?: Art In Bloom opened for business on July 31, 2010.

Why did you choose to locate to Brighton?: My family has lived in Brighton for over eighteen years. Both of my sons have benefited from an education at Brighton Schools. In fact, I worked for twelve of those years as an art educator at Hornung Elementary. In the spring of 2010, I was walking down Main St. with a cup of coffee in hand, enjoying the fact that I live in a small town when an empty storefront caught my eye. After some soul searching and careful planning, I decided to open Art In Bloom in that location and have absolutely no regrets that it was the right decision. Downtown Brighton offers a great atmosphere to work within and I love how vibrant and lively Main St. has become.