Flowers can signify life’s most memorable moments, add elegance to an event, or
simply brighten someone’s day. At Flowers by Webster, owner Tammy Saloomey-
Tavernia and her talented staff of floral designers are here for all of it.
Tammy began her floral career by jumping in to help design floral arrangements for
previous owners, Gail and Chuck Kelly during the Valentine’s Day rush nine years ago.
Although she had another job, she continued to design flowers on the side. It was only
natural then, that when the Kellys were ready to retire, Tammy would buy the business –
and soon after, the building where Flowers by Webster is located.
After the loss of two girlfriends and a nephew, Tammy’s husband Lee told her, “It’s time
for you to do something you want to do.” That was the driving force behind taking the
leap and buying the shop. Although Lee does not work in the business, his own
business, Baypoint & Co. is located upstairs.
That was a year ago, and Tammy says the response from the community has been
great. She has added more gift items and changed the layout of the store. New
merchandise includes lamps, glass trees, signs, hats, scarves and jewelry. Locally
made concrete wine chillers and charcuterie boards with pressed flowers are unique
and popular additions to the gift options.
“Everyone has their own style, and it’s nice to see what they come up with,” Tammy
says about the floral arrangement her team creates.
Tammy acknowledges that she could not run the business without her staff. Juli Cyr is a
full-time floral designer at the shop. “She’s so talented,” adds Tammy. Also on staff is a
part-time designer who has worked for florists in Boston and New York. Tammy even
convinced a friend who used to work at Flowers by Webster to come out of retirement to
help during busy times.
The team also includes driver Rick Berry, and three part-time drivers who make sure the
beautiful floral arrangements are delivered to their destinations. Tammy’s twins, son
Blaze and daughter Bayley, work part time at the shop as well.
In addition to floral arrangements, the Flowers by Webster designers decorate homes –
inside and outside – for the holidays.
Weddings are another specialty. Tammy notes that Flowers by Webster did 13 weddings
last summer. Designing arrangements for other events has become another creative
offering – the team last year designed flowers for a Westfield Chamber Breakfast and
the St. Mary’s Green and Gold Gala.
There are sad occasions, too. Tammy and her team create custom funeral
arrangements that can incorporate meaningful pieces in the flowers. When working with
families and friends of the deceased, they ask them what the person’s favorite color or
flower was. “You tell us what you’re looking for and we can make it happen,” Tammy
says.
With the season of love upon us, Flowers by Webster is ready for their biggest and
busiest holiday. “Valentine’s Day is crazy, but it’s worth it, says Tammy, and while they
still do the traditional dozen roses, for those who like to approach romance in a more
creative way, Flowers by Webster loves to think outside the box -- or the vase.
Flowers by Webster
52 Court St., Westfield
413-562-4474
Flowersbywebster.com
Flowers can signify life’s most memorable moments, add elegance to an event, or simply brighten someone’s day
“Everyone has their own style, and it’s nice to see what they come up with,” Tammy says