Today we’d like to introduce you to Trina Contreras.
Trina, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
About five years ago, our family went through a house fire that completely changed our lives. While searching for a property to store the items we had salvaged, we stumbled across a unique location called Joe’s Market—a long-standing garden center with a storage barn and an old gas station. Joe’s had been part of the community for nearly 40 years, and we thought we might simply continue it as it was.
After purchasing the property, I started running the garden center, but quickly realized that what truly inspired me wasn’t outdoor plants—it was flowers. My first event was a Valentine’s pop-up shop. I even took a class just to learn the basics of caring for roses for the occasion. That Valentine’s event was such a success that it sparked something new in me. I realized there was so much more to floristry than just putting flowers in buckets—it was an art and a craft that I wanted to dedicate myself to.
Since then, I’ve poured myself into learning everything I could: taking classes at local colleges, traveling to symposiums, and studying under professional florists. Those early years were all about learning and growth, but with each step I became more passionate about creating meaningful floral work—whether for everyday arrangements, weddings, or funerals.
While I’ve kept a bit of the garden center aspect alive because it’s something the community has loved for decades, the heart of my business is now floral design. What started as a necessity after tragedy has grown into a business I deeply love—one that lets me bring beauty, comfort, and joy into people’s lives through flowers.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It hasn’t always been a smooth road. One of my biggest challenges at The Blooming Bud has been helping the community understand that we’re more than just an outdoor garden center. For nearly 40 years, people knew the property as Joe’s Market, so many still assumed we were only open seasonally in the spring. In reality, we’re a year-round shop with not only flowers but also unique gift items—many of them fair trade, locally made, or crafted in the USA.
For a long time, I struggled with visibility. We had a large fence in front of the shop that I jokingly called the “prison fence.” It was uninviting, and people often drove by without realizing we were open. After we took it down about two years in, we saw a big increase in customers who finally noticed us.
Even now, my busiest days are Thursday through Saturday, which makes sense when people are buying flowers for the weekend. But I’d love to see more people stopping by during the week, taking part in workshops, and experiencing the shop as a creative destination. Building that consistent customer flow is still a work in progress, but each year more people discover what The Blooming Bud truly has to offer.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about The Blooming Bud?
At The Blooming Bud, we’re known for personalizing every arrangement. Customers often tell me they can see the thought and care I put into learning their stories and translating that into flowers. Each arrangement feels customized—because it truly is.
Our shop itself is also part of what makes us unique. We’re located in a historic old gas station building, and people love coming in, looking around, and telling us how different and special it feels. I often hear, “I wish I would’ve stopped sooner—I didn’t know you had all this here!” Inside, we not only design flowers but also feature fair trade goods and work from local artists, so there’s always something unexpected to discover.
What I’m most proud of is that The Blooming Bud is deeply connected to the community. We get to be part of life’s biggest moments—from a first date bouquet, to prom flowers, to wedding celebrations, and even the tender work of creating memorials that honor loved ones. Every arrangement, whether for joy or sorrow, is designed with intention to reflect the people behind it.
I want readers to know that when they walk through our doors, they’re not just visiting a flower shop—they’re stepping into a place that values community, creativity, and connection.
Alright so before we go can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
The best way to support The Blooming Bud is simply to remember that we’re here. Choosing to buy flowers locally instead of from grocery stores or 1-800 numbers makes a huge difference for small businesses like mine. You can also support us by sharing our information with friends and family, participating in our classes, or hiring us for your floral needs—whether that’s everyday arrangements, weddings, or memorials. Every bit of community support helps us grow and allows us to keep pouring beauty back into Olathe.
I love working with the community and being part of local events—whether it’s through the Chamber of Commerce, Olathe school activities, or the Olathe Women’s Circle. While I may not always be able to donate large amounts as a small business, I’m always happy to donate my time and talents to get involved and connect with people.
Pricing:
- Everyday floral arrangements starting at $45
- Premium custom designs from $75-$150+
- Wedding floral packages starting around $1,000
- Funeral tributes and casket sprays from $350
- Hands-on floral workshops typically $45-100 per person
Contact Info:
- Website: https://thebloomingbudkc.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebloomingbudkc
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/The-Blooming-Bud-KC
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/the-blooming-bud-contreras-8bb22b229/
