Celia Malkemus was selling Mary Kay when she fell into the floral industry’s lap. Her director was helping in a local flower shop for the holidays, and they happened to need new bodies.
“I didn’t know how to make arrangements, but I could read tickets,” says Malkemus. “The owner of the shop ended up saying, ‘Let me teach you how to make a simple arrangement.’ I was not the type of person who was going to try to do something that I wasn’t good at, but as she trained me, I started working even when it wasn’t holiday time.”
By 2014, Malkemus and a coworker grew interested in doing more weddings. They decided to take their work outside of the shop, making arrangements from their homes. And thus, Bloom and Leaf was born, which Malkemus now runs with her husband.
“I love the whole process of weddings. I love interacting with the brides on the phone or in person or both. I love getting to understand what their dream is and helping them bring that vision to life,” says Malkemus. “A lot of brides have dreamt since they were young children about what their wedding day would be like.”
Through the years, Malkemus has gotten involved with weddings beyond the florist level. She started doing wedding management when a friend’s granddaughter needed a coordinator. Since then, Malkemus has come to pride herself on being able to take just about any blank canvas and turn it into a beautiful wedding.
“To be able to expand my knowledge is a lot of fun,” says Malkemus. “I’ve done ten or so Jewish weddings and a vow renewal since my first one. Just because it’s not something I’ve done before doesn’t mean I won’t figure out how to do it.”
Malkemus also enjoys showcasing the artistry of Bloom and Leaf during events by Heroes Night Out and for International Women’s Day. Her mom-and-pop business has grown into something that truly makes a positive impact on anyone needing a smile.
Bloom and Leaf is a full-service floral studio based in Leander, TX. Owner Celia Malkemus is also the official florist of Cedar Park Regional Medical Center, and member of the Texas State Floral Association. bloomandleaf.com