The founder

“Like nature, she evolves”

Hello there, and welcome to Florae!

My name is Sophia and if you had ever swung by the store, a market booth, or a workshop, you will have met me! You have also most likely met one, two, three or all four of our children. Instead of the stress and heavy financial burden of childcare, I built my space with family in mind and bring my children with me most days. We are a large, busy family who had to get a bit creative when it came to making my dreams a reality. 

The self-sacrificing journey of motherhood had left myself feeling a bit lost in who I was and what I had wanted for myself beyond family, health, and social wise. With a family of six, the anxiety of returning to work outside the home struck some major anxiety triggers. Discovering the inflexible world of childcare, school, and scheduling, I took the bold leap to create a business platform that worked for my family. I hope my philosophies and unique store approach can help pave the way for others to think outside the box and create beautiful things that work in harmony with their existing lives.

Even though the store is no more, family and community remains at the heart of Florae.

Once upon a time

What do you get when you mix a hobby you love with the spark of an idea and sprinkle of ambition? 

The creation of something beautiful. 

In 2019, I dreamt up the idea of running a little plant business. I am impatient and highly impulsive so convincing myself to wait until 2020 to save and plan was a major accomplishment for myself. It also seemed like a smart move business and financial wise. Little did we know...

The COVID surprise. I registered the Florae trade name, got my business license, my suppliers...everything I needed. Just to have our first-ever lockdown a mere 4 days later. With the fear of the unknown, I honestly sat with the overwhelming feeling of defeat. I thought I would have to put my dream and all my hard work on the back burner. Instead, I accepted that Florae would look and operate a little differently. For now.

My first order was placed and sold from the comfort of lockdown and my living room couch. From there, it grew to my driveway during the summer, an industrial warehouse through our harsh winter, and then to our current location in the heart of a neighborhood bursting with the presence of community and kindness. 

In the fall of 2023, I made the hard decision to close my doors, take a step back and spend extra time with my family and return new and refreshed in 2024 without a brick & mortar location.

I joke that Florae was like "Cheers" but for plants. Laughs are on the house and everybody knows your name.

Make sure to bless us with your presence at one of my workshops...bring your kids, your friends, your mom, and pictures of your dogs.

See you soon,

Sophia.