Floral designer brings formerly home-based business to shop in Welches
While Sally Schneider has been at home for the past three years and working two jobs, she has continued dreaming.
Schneider, owner of Weddings and Other Bloomin’ Occasions, finally quit her day job and moved her home-based floral design business into the public eye.
Her dreams always have centered on her own storefront where the public could see firsthand that her creativity could make any wedding, special occasion or group gathering a memorable experience.
In her first step toward the fulfillment of that dream, Schneider has moved into the foyer of a building in the Arrah Wanna Rendezvous Center in Welches.
Schneider’s 100 square feet of space gives her room to work as well as display flowers, cards, candles, decor and other gifts. She also stores material for arrangements and has a cooler to keep flowers fresh. Located at the east side of the center, the building also houses Salon Christa and Alpine Tax Solutions.
“I have been dreaming for a long time,” she said, “but I am living my dream now. I used to do mainly weddings, and my (advertisement) was word-of-mouth. But there is a lot of off-season time (when there are few weddings).”
Schneider thinks of her work with flowers as a ministry with a connection to her Creator. She says she feels good that her work brings happiness to other people.
“Flower’s are God’s creation,” she said, “and it is a joy to work in His creation at all times. Even when I am tired, I am never unhappy with my job. An extra reward for working with flowers is that it brings joy to other people.”
Part of her ministry is giving to those who can’t afford, and she often gives flowers to charitable organizations and schools in need.
In her small space, Schneider is filling a niche. There is no other flower shop on Mount Hood.
To better serve brides-to-be, Schneider says she works with couples, their budgets and their families as much as needed to make wedding days very special.
She offers full-service floral designs, but does not yet have a wire service. But Schneider will deliver flowers anywhere in the metro area. Her free-delivery area has a radius of about three miles from Welches.
Schneider offers arrangements for special events, everyday floral designs, birthdays, bereavement, get-well and anniversaries.
“I want people to know that there are flowers on the mountain,” she said. “I may be in a small space, but I can do big jobs.”
Weddings and Other Bloomin’ Occasions is located at the east side of the Arrah Wanna Rendezvous Center in Welches, 67211 Highway 26. Open hours are Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., except for Wednesday when she closes at 1:30 p.m. She is available at other times by appointment. Contact Schneider by calling 503-380-9891. She expects to have a Web site soon. Find it at: www.weddingsbloominoccasions.com.