Peoria Florist’s story began 24 years ago when Anthem Pleasant took on his first flower delivery job. From the very start, he realized that flowers had a unique ability to bring joy, and that joy became the foundation for his career in floristry. Anthem’s journey led him through various florists across the country, where he honed his skills. Eventually, he had the opportunity to buy Peoria Florist, turning a lifelong passion into his own business. “For me, working with flowers has never felt like work—it’s a passion that continues to bloom every day,” Anthem shared.
“For me, working with flowers has never felt like work—it’s a passion that continues to bloom every day,” Anthem shared.
Overcoming Industry Challenges
Like many small businesses, Peoria Florist has faced its fair share of challenges. One major shift has been the transition from walk-in orders to a primarily delivery-based business, requiring Anthem to adapt his operations, invest in logistics, and bolster the business’s online presence. Additionally, unpredictable weather and natural disasters can impact flower crops, causing price spikes or shortages. Anthem works hard to educate his customers on the seasonal availability of flowers, helping them navigate these fluctuations. Despite these challenges, Peoria Florist remains focused on its mission to deliver beautiful, high-quality floral arrangements while maintaining a deep emotional connection with clients during both happy and sorrowful moments.
Giving Back to the Community
Supporting the local community is at the heart of Peoria Florist. Anthem is committed to sourcing flowers from local suppliers, ensuring both freshness and a support system for other small businesses in the area. Additionally, Peoria Florist actively engages in community education through floral design classes, where people can learn new skills, express creativity, and appreciate the artistry behind flower arrangements. Anthem and his team also participate in local flower associations, staying connected with other florists and industry professionals, which helps them stay informed and contribute to the growth of the floral industry.
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Core Values That Bloom
At the core of Peoria Florist’s operations are three essential values: honesty, timeliness, and meaningful communication. Anthem emphasizes the importance of being transparent with customers, offering fair pricing, and ensuring every arrangement conveys the right sentiment. He knows that flowers often mark important moments in people’s lives, so timeliness is crucial, whether fulfilling orders or responding to customer inquiries. Meaningful communication is also vital, as it helps the team understand customers' needs and build strong, lasting relationships.
Looking Forward: Innovations and Growth
Peoria Florist is excited about the future, especially as the first company to license the intellectual property from Bouquets and Bubbles—a unique experience that blends floral design with a social, relaxing atmosphere. In this experience, participants will create two floral arrangements, one to take home and one to donate to a local nonprofit. This project reflects the company’s desire to combine creativity, community engagement, and giving back. Anthem is also exploring additional ways to grow, such as expanding their class offerings and finding new ways to source locally and support the community.
Peoria Florist is more than just a floral business—it is a testament to passion, perseverance, and the power of community. Anthem Pleasant’s journey from a flower delivery job to business ownership shows that when you follow your heart and stay true to your values, success blooms. By embracing challenges, staying connected with the community, and constantly innovating, Peoria Florist continues to bring joy and beauty to its customers. As the first company to license the Bouquets and Bubbles trademark, Anthem is leading the way in merging floral artistry with meaningful community engagement. With exciting initiatives on the horizon and a continued focus on quality, Peoria Florist is sure to remain a cherished part of the local community for many years to come.
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