“Well as you can tell purple is my favorite color,” said Sjn.
The purple hair has become branding for Rachel Sjn’s Bellevue business The Purple Orchid.
“We opened February 2nd of this year,” said Sjn.
Sjn says she may view the beauty in flowers differently than most, but there is a reason for that. Her uncle was murdered when she was five. She says life is precious; everyone needs to stop and smell the roses.
“Sometimes I think I have a morbid sense, you know life is fleeting and to enjoy the beauty while it is here and if you don't enjoy it, it is gone,” said Sjn.
The florist loves brightening lives in the darkest of times. Recently, Sjn started a “Vases for Victims” program. She is asking for the public to donate any unwanted vases to her shop. Also, for every dollar donated she will double that in form of a gift card to her shop. This way she can give the victim’s families of violent crimes free floral arrangements.
“I am just a giver; sometimes my husband is like you need to stop giving so much,” said Sjn.
Sjn says she can’t stop sharing the joy flowers bring. That is why she is taking her trade on the road with Shortie the Mobile Flower Shop.
”We don't expect people to come to us, we have to go to them,” said Sjn.
Sjn says to promote her brick and mortar store and “Vases for Victims” program, her business had to grow. It is still a work in progress. But, soon you will see Shortie at dance recitals, graduations and rolling around the Old Market.
Sjn says she will accept any size or shape vase and it doesn't need to be in perfect condition. You can drop it off at her store located on Galvin Road in Bellevue.
“So this time of year you see a lot of oranges, browns, reds and yellows,” said Bellevue florist Rachel Sjn.
You’ve probably noticed this florist loves to surround herself in bright colors.
After less than a year in business, a Bellevue florist is already using her flower shop to give back to the community and is now growing her business in a unique way.