Pelham Woman Takes Passion for Flowers Full-Time

Whether the need is a last minute order of flowers for a dinner party or a floral pick me up for a sick friend, Kate Barron at Tulips & Thistle Designs is ready to take your order.

“The shop is always open,” Barron, a Pelham resident, said.

Barron opened Tulips & Thistle Designs, a floral design business, in March. The business, which she runs out of her home, serves clients throughout lower Westchester County, the Bronx and Connecticut. But the bulk of her clients remain in New Rochelle and Pelham.

Barron decided to open the business after 13 years working as a sales and marketing consultant. Although she always had a love for flowers, she wasn’t able fully express her passion until the last few years.

Barron said she started taking floral design classes with several programs in the city. She also used that opportunity to make connections with flower wholesalers in the area.

“As our kids started getting older, I felt that I had more bandwidth in terms of time,” Barron said. “I thought it was the right time to give it a try.”

Barron spends a good amount of time in her home’s basement, where the cool, moist environment provides a good work environment. Her husband, Robert Barron,  and three children, who all attend Colonial Elementary School, also provide helping hand when needed.

“It allows our kids to participate and see what goes into creating and running a business,” Barron said.

Barron begins her days at 5 a.m. by driving to New York City and meeting with flower wholesalers. After Barron is done, she heads back home to make floral arrangements and deliveries.

She said her deliveries are usually completed by 3 p.m.

Barron said all of her floral designs follow a common theme.

“My style is to try and create things you would see if you were walking through Pelham,” she said. “That’s the feeling I try to recreate.”

Barron said the greatest satisfaction that she’s gotten so far is the community support she’s received. Many of those encouraging words can be seen on the businesses Facebook page.

“It’s just amazing,” Barron said. “There’s been a tremendously warm welcoming from the community.”

Weekly specials for Tulip & Thistle can be found here.