ARLINGTON — What’s Bloomin’ Now Floral & More celebrated its official grand opening on Friday, April 19, with a little help from Arlington Mayor Barbara Tolbert.

“It’s always very exciting to welcome another business to Smokey Point, especially one that fills a need that’s not being served,” Tolbert said, as she cut the ribbon to the store with Jodi Sugg, the owner and sole employee of What’s Bloomin’ Now Floral & More, located at the Gateway Centre, at 3704 172nd St. B-2 in Arlington. “It’s a lovely shop that brings a nice breath of spring, especially on these rainy days.”

Although Sugg hopes to hire delivery personnel eventually, she’s already affiliated with FTD and Teleflora to send flowers across the country or deliver them locally, for an additional fee.

“I’ve done crafts and floral arrangements since I was a kid, when my folks owned a crafts shop,” said Sugg, who decided to make a career out of her hobby after her 15-year career in advertising and marketing ended when she was laid off. “My sister and brother-in-law had already opened up Simply Caketastic in Marysville around this time last year, so when I asked myself what I should do next, they suggested a flower shop to partner with their bakery, especially for events like weddings and other parties.”

Sugg aims to make What’s Bloomin’ Now Floral & More a one-stop shop for such party and wedding planning needs. Her goal is to provide customers with a place where they can come and plan their weddings, parties or other social occasions by meeting with all their vendors — florists, caterers and photographers — at one time.

In addition to setting aside an area of the store for such consultations, Sugg has also stocked her shop’s shelves with handcrafted gift items from local artists and across the country.

“We’ve got bags, scarves, bracelets and more,” Sugg said. “As long as it’s well-made and people want it, let us know about it and we’ll see about carrying it.”

Sugg expressed her appreciation to the local community for making her feel so welcome and at home, and she hopes to return the favor through her trade.

“I’d just like to help make people’s days brighter, and flowers have a wonderful way of doing that,” Sugg said.

What’s Bloomin’ Now Floral & More has flower arrangements for all the special occasions, or just because. Regular store hours are Tuesdays through Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. For more information, call 360-658-3855 or log onto www.whatsbloominnow.com.