Today we’d like to introduce you to Brittany Phillips.
Hi Brittany, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Throughout my work life, I’ve held various positions, including banker, teacher, and financial manager, but my dream was to build my own business, while channeling my creativity. I have always enjoyed design, so when our community was in danger of losing the local flower & coffee shop, I took the opportunity to buy the business. Wanting a fresh start to the business, I rebranded the flower and coffee shop with my own vision as “Blooms on Main” with “Blooms’ Brews Coffee Cafe’.”
Future plans involve transforming the coffee shop space into a speakeasy on weekends.
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 has not been easy. There was a lot of hard work getting the shop designed to fit my vision for each aspect–the coffee shop, which will double as a speakeasy and the flower and gift side. Equipment issues plagued me in the beginning along with a very small job pool of candidates–our small, rural town was difficult to draw from, as well as all the little details in starting a floral & coffee business you may not initially think of–for awhile it was a different obstacle everyday and I seriously questioned my life choices several times. As well as, deciding how much more capital to invest after the initial investment was a big issue. My financial mind battled against my vision of making my dream a reality. Other challenges have been tariffs on products for the store and raising prices on coffee and flowers. And because of the small, rural town size, consistency in sales is difficult, but travelers from have been a welcome sight and I enjoy visiting with them on their journeys.
As you know, we’re big fans of Blooms on Main with Bloom’ Brews Cafe. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Blooms on Main is a multi-faceted business in small town USA, located in an original building of the town and the only business in town where you can order flowers & shop, with a great coffee drink in hand. When you walk in the door, you are hit with the aromas of flowers & coffee. Seasonal items adorn the shelves and the flower cooler is loaded with fresh flowers. But, if you keep walking through the store, you come into Blooms’ Brews Coffee & Ice Cream. The coffee shop has an art deco 1920s decor vibe, which was inspired by the future speakeasy space, but is also a cozy atmosphere to sit for a spell.
All the fun coffee drinks are served, along with Lotus energy drinks, fountain pop, teas, panini sandwiches, breakfast croissants, baked goods, ice cream, and other items. The speakeasy will have a signature drink menu. Great customer service with a smile and providing a friendly environment for guests is the major focus of the business.
Blooms has received a lot of wonderful feedback from the community and travelers for our great coffee drinks and charm of the store. Many in the community are also very happy to have quality flower arrangements at their finger tips once again. Starting with a high quality reputation was a very important focus for me–you can never make another first impression. I believe Blooms on Main has been a breath of fresh air for our community.
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
Finding a mentor and people to help you in a new venture is of the utmost importance. The value of the experience they bring to the table is vital–you are not going to think of everything and having someone with experience helps so much. Especially if it’s in an area you are not familiar with. I took floral classes, but had not worked in a flower shop, so I contacted a florist with over 30 years experience to mentor me along the way, which has worked out very well. The coffee side was all about training on the different types of coffees and the previous owner helped with that, along with my coffee supplier, Maps Coffee, located in Lenexa.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.bloomsonmainmc.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bloomsonmainmc?igsh=MTkzMmtvY3plMHk5dA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61578040480068
