Today we’d like to introduce you to Kimberly Brown.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
In 2019, Bloom In Glory was birthed from a lifelong passion of God’s compliments to the earth (flowers and plants).
I have so many wonderful memories of afternoon visits with my Papa as he worked his vegetable garden, to the joy that my Dad’s award-worthy floral landscape gave us at my childhood home.
Furthering my love, I attended an agriscience program and won horticulture awards as a member of the Future Farmers of America. I took an internship at a local flower shop which landed me my first job as a florist. There, I found a place of peace, balance and beauty.
As the years passed, I strayed away from my first love and found purpose and compassion through different positions I held throughout the health care system. During that time, I would freelance and make floral arrangements for friends’ and family members’ weddings and special events.
I would always tell myself, “no matter where life goes, a job in healthcare is stable.”
As adults, we need stability… right?
I launched Bloom in Glory in February 2020 as a part-time “let’s see what happens” business while I keep my “regular” job– just in case I fail.
March 2020 – The start of COVID 19 and the evolution of Bloom In Glory
One day, my assistant nurse manager (ANM) called to “let me know” that “at this time” administration doesn’t want staff wearing a mask while walking in the hallways or while caring for a patient that hasn’t tested positive for a respiratory infection. If I was to have a patient with suspected COVID, we are to get one N95 mask to be assigned and reused throughout the day.
I’ve always worn a mask with every patient due to my own personal preference.
After 14 years of working in health care, I’ve learned that a patient can come in with a broken arm and sometimes a positive result of an array of things can show up a few days later. You never know the level of exposure until confirmation from lab results. For this reason, I always wear a mask.
My next shift, My pager went off four times for COVID rapid responses. I’ve never seen anything like it in my life. From Ebola to tuberculosis, I’ve seen a lot.
End of shift, I performed my new normal clock out routine. Changed my clothes in the parking garage, put my scrubs and shoes in a bag, drove home, put everything including the clothes I was currently wearing into the washing machine, showered, and said prayers and goodnight to my 1 and 3 years old via FaceTime (they were in the other room with my husband). I didn’t feel comfortable being around my family after what I saw at work.
That night, scared for my life, my family’s life, and my future… I prayed and cried, and prayed and cried, talked to my husband, talked to my sisters, and talked to friends. I spoke with a coworker who told me that the rule from administration was put in place because, “with so much going on, us taking extra precautions were scaring the patients.”
There is a silent understanding in healthcare that employees’ concerns come second. Obviously, administration who were making rules from the safety of their offices could care less about my safety and peace of mind.
Before my next shift, I received another phone call from my ANM telling me that “staff AND guests are now required to wear a mask on hospital grounds.”
In such a time of financial crisis, people being furloughed, businesses being shut down, I gave it all to God, stepped out on faith, and quit my job.
Sometimes, God will make you uncomfortable if you are not living in your purpose.
I used COVID as a catalyst for Bloom In Glory to grow gracefully and all of its Glory is given to God alone.
In my place of peace, balance, and beauty, I’ve used my healthcare background and added compassion and purpose with the healing power of flowers.
Bloom In Glory
Isaiah 35.2
“It will burst into Bloom;
it will rejoice greatly and shout for joy.
The glory of Mount Lebanon will be given to it,
the splendor of Mount Carmel and Mount Sharon
they will see the Glory of the Lord,
the splendor of our God.”
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
Bloom In Glory is a home based floral studio and we are striving to obtain our brick and mortar. I am so thankful for this journey and for the outpouring of support from our community in Wedgefield, FL and beyond. Since our seed was firmly planted 2 years ago, we have been Blooming In Glory ever since. We are proud of our client list which includes a 100 year old corporation, many businesses, and several funeral homes in and around the Orlando area. We look forward to our continued growth in hopes that one day we can compare our grassroots/ garage start-up to that of Westgate Resorts.
Though Bloom In Glory takes pride in every floral creation we make, we specialize in providing floral pieces for events. We are most proud of our ability to adapt and grow, even during the pandemic.
As a faith-based business, we see each piece as a way to express our personal testimony and a way to create a pleasant personalized experience for each of our customers.
What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
To be still and know that God has it all under control. All you have to do is trust in HIS word and know that He is a God of Love.
Contact Info:
- Email: Service@bloominglory.com
- Website: Bloominglory.com
- Instagram: Instagram.com/bloom_in_glory
- Facebook: Facebook.com/Isaiah35.2
Christal Gemeda
January 10, 2022 at 6:22 pm
Bloom In Glory provides such fantastic arrangements! You can sense the love put into each bouquet. I was blessed to have my wedding bouquets done by Kimberly and I loved them all!