Today we’d like to introduce you to Sue Lee Charron
Hi Sue Lee, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My journey into the world of flowers began in 2016 when my husband gifted me an orchid. Unfortunately, I didn’t know how to care for it, and it didn’t survive. While this might have discouraged some, for me, it sparked an unrelenting passion for all things floral and botanical. Determined to learn, I dove into countless YouTube videos, mastering the art of nurturing not just orchids but a variety of plants and flowers.
My newfound love for flowers grew so much that I decided to share it with others by selling orchids at a local market. This venture brought me joy, but it was short-lived as I returned to full-time work in 2018. Despite stepping away from selling flowers, my passion never faded. I even started my own YouTube channel, @SimplySueLee, where I could continue sharing tips and inspiration about flowers with a growing online community.
Fast forward to 2024, I knew it was time to return to my floral roots—this time as a florist. I envisioned creating a business that stood out, offering beautiful arrangements without the sky-high prices seen elsewhere. My journey began modestly with a self-serve flower stand outside my home on Saturdays. Customers could pick out their bouquets and conveniently pay using a cash box or QR code.
This small venture quickly blossomed into something bigger. Today, Bloom and Zoom operates six days a week, offering stunning market bouquets available for delivery through DoorDash and UberEats. What started as a single orchid has grown into a thriving business built on a love for flowers and a commitment to making them accessible to everyone.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The road to building Bloom and Zoom hasn’t always been smooth. In July of this year, I took a leap and moved into a storefront, hoping it would elevate the business. Unfortunately, it didn’t work out as planned. By September, I made the tough decision to move operations back to my garage. While it wasn’t an easy choice, it was the right one. Working from home allows me to save on rent and reinvest those funds directly into growing my business.
Another significant challenge came during Hurricane Milton. I was scheduled to be a vendor at a large women’s conference in Lake Mary, an event I’d prepared 100 bouquets for. When the storm forced the event’s cancellation, I was left scrambling to find a way to sell the unsold inventory. Thinking quickly, I launched a flash sale on UberEats, offering BOGO free bouquets. I also gifted each Uber driver a free bouquet as a token of appreciation.
While I managed to sell all the inventory, I didn’t make my money back. Even so, I’m grateful for the experience—it tested my resilience and reminded me of the importance of persistence. Each challenge has been a stepping stone, helping me learn, grow, and continue sharing the beauty of flowers with my community.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I take pride in serving my local community with fresh, beautifully arranged market bouquets for every occasion. Some of my proudest moments as a florist happen when I handwrite personal notes for customers to accompany their flowers. Whether it’s for a birthday, anniversary, new baby, a heartfelt thank-you, or a “just because” surprise, I’m constantly reminded of the deep care people have for one another. It’s humbling and an honor to play a small role in sharing their love and joy.
What truly sets Bloom and Zoom apart is not just the artistry in the arrangements but also the heart behind the business. As a woman-owned, veteran-owned, and minority-owned business, I bring a unique perspective to everything I do. I served in the Army Reserve for six years and am proud of my South Korean heritage, both of which have shaped my values of dedication, honor, and service.
Beyond these aspects, what makes Bloom and Zoom special is my genuine desire to help customers mark life’s milestones—whether it’s a wedding, a funeral, or any moment in between. I understand that flowers are just one piece of a bigger picture, but I approach each arrangement with care and respect, ensuring it conveys the sentiment my customers want to express.
For me it’s more than just flowers, it’s about celebrating life’s moments and the love that connects us all.
Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
Mostly my family. They are the reason I do what I do each day.
In addition to that, I love creating things, so making bouquets, sewing, and crocheting are all part of what makes me happy. Creativity fuels my happiness by allowing me to explore and share your imagination with others.
It makes me happy to see the impact of my hard work. Being able to overcome challenges reflects my resilience and ability to problem solve.
It also brings me joy to witness the love people have for each other through the messages they include with flowers. It makes me happy to know my work helps bring people closer.
Pricing:
- $20 avg price of a bouquet
- $20-30 avg price of orchids and plants
Contact Info:
- Website: https://BloomandZoomSanford.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/simplysuelee/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/simplysuelee/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@SimplySueLee
- Other: https://www.ubereats.com/store/bloom-and-zoom/jv90vd4OXfyYbDiuFVN_sQ
Image Credits
NA
