On a vibrant Thursday, July 27, 2023, a touch of elegance and diversity was added to the heart of Silver Spring’s central business area with the grand opening of BethMichaels Floral & Events Design, the first Black-owned floral boutique in the downtown Silver Spring area, proudly owned by a Nigerian-American Family.
BethMichaels derives its name from the founders, Ayobami Elizabeth Akindele and Segun Michael Akindele, a talented Nigerian couple deeply ingrained in the local community. Ayobami’s journey into the world of floral design began in 2009 when her passion for organizing weddings and events led her to explore the enchanting world of flowers and the mesmerizing power of colors. Dedicating herself to mastering floral design, she immersed herself in consultations and gardening, honing her expertise to create stunning creations.
Beyond being just a floral store, BethMichaels stands as a true artistic haven, offering an immersive and comprehensive event and decoration experience. Adorned with an array of vases and exquisite greeting cards, the shop even welcomes on-site arrangements to cater to every individual’s unique preferences. The in-shop arrangement, a splendid combination of sunflowers and carnations, serves as a testament to the shop’s commitment to beauty and creativity. For those seeking greenery, an assortment of growing plants is also available for purchase.
Opening its doors from 10 am to 7 pm every Monday through Friday and extending its hours to 10 am to 8 pm on Saturdays, BethMichaels ensures accessibility for all. Regular-size arrangements, thoughtfully priced between $40 and $70, cater to a wide range of budgets, while more intricate options priced at $100+ can be ordered in-store or online for convenient next-day delivery. The shop also offers delightful monthly and weekly flower subscriptions, coupled with reliable delivery services. Your now go-to real local florist in Silver Spring, Maryland provides flower delivery to its surrounding areas, such as Bethesda, Chevy Chase, Garrett Park, Hyattsville, Kensington, Silver Spring, Takoma Park, Upper Marlboro, Washington, and interstate. BethMichaels prides itself on harnessing the freshest flowers sourced from the best flower growers in the world and carries hard-to-find seasonal flowers like ranunculus, dahlias, and proteas, that can be perfect for weddings. They, of course, have all types of flowers like the everyday dozen sunflowers, hydrangea, carnations, etc. If you’re looking for your traditional and wedding bouquets, they also carry succulents, plants, orchids, and lilies.
Stepping into the shop, one is greeted by a dedicated section for wedding and event planning consultations, complete with a beautifully adorned dinner table and a romantically draped floral ceiling. Simply providing the desired colors, clients entrust BethMichaels to work their magic and curate the perfect setting. For added convenience, consultation requests can be made through the official website, making the process seamless and tailored to each client’s needs.
Present at the opening were Ayobami’s esteemed guests, Pastor David Ijeh and Pastor Sotari Ijeh, Chamber of Commerce Executives, Council Executives, and revered figures in the community. The realization of BethMichaels was made possible through the invaluable support of AJ Nwoga, Senior Vice President at M&T Bank, a Nigerian woman with a deep commitment to empowering minority small businesses. AJ’s guidance, knowledge, and network were instrumental in bringing the vision of BethMichaels to life.
“As a fellow minority, I understand the hurdles faced by those starting their own businesses. I am delighted to lend my support by sharing the art and science behind running a business and providing the necessary resources and connections to foster their growth,” AJ expressed passionately.
Ayobami, beaming with pride, proclaimed, “I am a Nigerian, and I’m thrilled to be one.” She extends her gratitude to the Montgomery County community, whose unwavering support has been the driving force behind her success. Residents’ enthusiasm for the floral shop has been overwhelming, and Stephanie Helsing, President and CEO of the Greater Silver Spring Chamber of Commerce, lauded the ribbon-cutting ceremony, expressing her excitement for the community’s only floral business in the central business area, Downtown Silver Spring.
Looking forward to the future with optimism and enthusiasm, Ayobami encourages more Black entrepreneurs to venture into the vibrant community, asking, “What are you waiting for?” BethMichaels Floral & Events Design stands as a testament to the possibilities that can bloom when creativity, determination, and unwavering community support intertwine.
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BethMicheals Floral & Events Design
Silver Spring Silver Spring, MD, 20910
https://bethmichaelevents.com/
(240) 615-7910
bethmichaelsevent@outlook.com
