Today we’d like to introduce you to Leslie Thornton.
Hi Leslie, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Bloomed with a Blessing developed after I had heard a podcast about a woman who started her small flower business because she loves “beautiful things.” I felt God lean into me and say “so do you.” I then began to think about my life and what I am or am not doing to make a difference in this world and whether I am a reflection of God’s love. The idea then cultivated into blessing people with flowers at no cost to those who nominate a person in need. God then provided donations, support, and the business connections to grow Bloomed with a Blessing. One after another, nominations came in and then donations through money, flower cards, vases, deliveries, etc. God reaffirmed this mission for me and there is no denying that he wanted me to move forward with this small act of kindness (being God’s hands and feet).
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
At first, it was challenging because I had a small amount of nominations and I doubted myself and God’s will for this mission. God then had a huge flood of nominations pour in. At the time, I was funding it solely and only able to deliver so many a week because of what me and my family could afford. But again, God showed himself faithful and donations poured in. Leading up to maternity leave, I will say that it became challenging balancing my full-time job, my family, preparing for a baby, and physical restraints. Looking back, I am so thankful for everyone who supported me and helped me get through that time.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
We deliver flower bouquets to those individuals who have been nominated for a blessing. These bouquets are delivered free of charge. The bouquets come with a flower card. Nominators can provide what they want on the card or say that it is from an “anonymous person.” I choose the arrangement and create it on my own based on the availability of flowers I am able to get. My friend Becky then helps me deliver these arrangements, free of charge, funded by Bloomed.
Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
Becky Vinson – delivers 95% of all flower deliveries Annemarie Herford – one of my best friends who encouraged me in starting this venture and delivered the majority of the flowers in the beginning.
Cody Thornton (my husband) – encouraged me in starting this venture and delivered the majority of the flowers, with Annemarie, in the beginning.
Megaprint (Gainesville) – flower cards provided free of charge and logo created by their employee.
Anonymous persons – vases
Rachel Estes – Gainesville Times Article and helped with blessing someone with flowers for a wedding (don’t usually do weddings)
Kayla Madsen – professional photographs of work I have done.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @bloomedwithablessing
Image Credits
Kayla Brooke Photography McNeal and Co Photography
