New woman-owned floral shop opens in Fairhaven, supporting local farmers and artists
A new woman-owned floral shop is open in Fairhaven, full of apparel, gifts, accessories and blooming flowers.
Elyse Perron’s Poppy & Pomegranate, which has been in business several years, opened its first brick-and-mortar store Saturday, April 1.
“When I started in October of 2019, I offered deliveries around Whidbey Island and Anacortes as well as full service and a la carte wedding and event florals as far as Seattle. The only difference now with the brick-and-mortar is that I can support local and handmade creators alongside the local farmers and growers we source our flowers from,” Perron said.
The floral shop offers flower services for weddings and events, as well as a stem bar where customers can create their own bouquets in the shop. Visitors can also purchase pre-made bouquets and arrangements or pick up their pre-ordered flowers at the shop. The shop also offers flower delivery.
“You’ll just have to stop in to get the full experience of what makes the shop unique and fun. Although, I think the stem bar and the ‘you deserve flowers’ light-up sign along with the mural definitely sets the shop apart from other spots on the street. We also have a lot of goods from local or handmade artists, items that are hand selected to compliment the flowers. Just about everything in the shop is coming from our own backyard or from someone who is going to directly benefit from purchases made,” Perron said.
Perron first started working in floral design in 2014 while working at a floral shop in Boston and spending time at different floral studios in the area.
“I think my top two favorite aspects of floral design are the people and the seasonality. Everyone loves flowers and they bring happiness that not many other things on Earth do. Watching different blooms roll in throughout the year brightens everyone’s mood; you can hear the sighs of relief when they enter the shop and see a wall of colorful blooms that will be different next month,” Perron said.
Perron also plans to eventually open up the loft space in the shop to teach floral design classes, or welcome other artists to teach their own craft.
Perron also credited her husband, local flower growers, artists, her teachers and family for all their help and encouragement throughout the years. “I truly feel that Poppy & Pomegranate is a product of so many people over so many years that I needed to at least mention those that made a difference in the journey to this point,” Perron said.
“I hope visitors walk away feeling really good that they are supporting others in their community aside from a small business. Poppy & Pomegranate is held up by a web of creators, growers, and independent businesses and we wouldn’t be here without that.”
Poppy & Pomegranate is open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday and is at 1003 Harris Ave. in Bellingham, where Rebecca’s Flower Shoppe was previously located. For wedding and event floral services, contact Elyse Perron online or by calling 360-393-3149.
