One thing that has always been very popular in the South is floral arrangements. Northwest Arkansas, specifically, has a growing group of passionate floral companies and local greens. There is something that is fairly new to Fayetteville, and that is a company that offers floral arrangements, along with wholesale ordering through regional and international partners.
Meet Anna Summar, owner and operator of In Bloom Floral Company. Currently located in Springdale, the collective is a place that offers walk-ins and appointments. What makes In Bloom so special and set apart is their eagerness for a floral supplier, rather than an everyday flower shop. Anna explains that the company “connects people with the beauty of fresh, in-season blooms sourced from local growers and trusted commercial suppliers.” Some of the key focuses for the team are to source unique floral products in a wide variety, all year round. Additionally, the In Bloom website features a descriptive chart of their product’s seasonality.
Sustainability is essential for Anna and her incredible staff to prioritize in every season. A few ways Summar succeeds in this is by sourcing locally, ensuring that any item is of excellent quality, and maintaining a reduced carbon footprint in the process. This takes a lot more effort and time, but it is what sets Anna apart in the floral industry. Being eco-conscious is very important these days and something that makes an incredible difference in the garden industry.
Owner, Summar, has been around all sorts of events in the industry in her lifetime. Starting at 13 years old, Anna’s babysitter started a side gig working events and invited her to come along one day to help her and watch. After that night, Anna fell in love with the thought of one day having her own floral company. What Anna excels at is bringing the blossoms to life in the hands of her customers. Growing up in Missouri, wholesale floral companies were everywhere in her town. She was shocked when we realized not all towns have such helpful shops for those to go to for events and their own shops. Years go by, and Anna becomes an elementary teacher, but taking on floral arrangements at weddings on the weekends. After weighing out her options, she realized she should take the risk of morphing In Bloom into her full-time job. Anna knew she was ready to fulfill her lifelong dream, and she draws much of her inspiration from the landscape in the natural beauty of the Ozark Mountains.
In Bloom offers several ways for customers to get exactly what they need. From submitting custom orders weeks in advance to some arriving the day before needing arrangements for their event. Anna will always make sure their customer leaves happy and with something in their hands. One of the biggest services is the DIY experience, which would be perfect for the upcoming Valentine’s holiday, anniversaries, or just because. To begin this process, there is a form located on their website at inbloomfloralcompany.com. This allows you to explain your vision and get a glimpse at what is “in season” at the time you’re inquiring. Being the premier destination to “build your own” florals, In Bloom provides you with a timeline to bring your vision to life. Some different ways clients can build their own arrangements are through outsourcing to growers, building their order from visuals while on your couch or at your wedding venue, or renting out the studio with their girlfriends or romantic partner. From there, Anna allows you access to the cold storage cooler to preserve your flowers until they leave the shop. No matter which way works best for you, getting to build your own set of florals for a memorable stage of life is something you will never forget.
A priority that In Bloom continues to make is having a solid stock and growers ready to help outsource, no matter the season we may be in. The local production season spans from February to October, with other top-quality partners ready to ship when requested. Each week, shipments come in from commercial farms, picked fresh before arrival. If you feel prepared, the company requests that clients submit orders 2 weeks in advance to get the most accurate information. For something more last-minute, Anna is ecstatic to help you via social media or in the storefront. The storefront officially opened in 2023, with hopes of expanding to a larger space very soon. The back of the store features an immense cooler for the plants to stay in a regulated temperature space. Built by Anna herself and her supportive father in nine months, the cooler is a testament to the genuineness and ardor they have for this business.
For gardeners or wedding florists themselves, In Bloom also sells supplies you might need in your everyday workspace. Some eclectic pieces include pots, vases, floral accessories, and tools. These items can all be available on the website or in-store. Reach out to Anna for any floral needs you may have or inquiries about hosting a girls' night at the store. The future is bright for In Bloom and the impact it has on Northwest Arkansas.
We take pride in our commitment to supporting native growers.
If you select your own stems, Anna recommends not choosing what is trending online, but rather taking the time to look into what is most fresh and "in season".