During the pandemic, Catherine Battista found herself like many other people-unemployed and finding it hard to make ends meet for her family. What came from selling flower arrangements and homemade biscuits at local farmers markets is her now storefront business, Bloom + Bread, located in downtown St. Charles, IL.
Her business is dedicated to the community and prides itself on being a lifestyle brand focused on the table and making memories around it. Their mission is to plan one-of-a-kind celebrations so their clients can make memories that last a lifetime, with their team concentrated in planning weddings, event design, gifts, entertaining at home, and seasonal decor.
Battista first became interested in floral design while commuting on the train to downtown Chicago as an attorney, using books from the library for inspiration. She learned about designers like Preston Bailey, Michael Gaffney, and Willow Crossley, and would replicate their designs at home after watching their YouTube instructional videos. And besides not wanting to wait for the train anymore in the early morning hours in subzero temps, she decided to start Bloom + Bread.
“It has always been our vision to create beautiful backdrops against which people make memories,” Battista says. “Our success is measured by the joy we help others to experience through flowers, food, and design.”
Her company’s “burn the ships” philosophy brings a uniqueness to the Fox Valley, and what sets them apart from other businesses is their commitment to investing in the community. Currently, they are working towards having a foundation that will award annual grants to charities that are focused on feeding the hungry, helping the homeless population, and mental health awareness. The Bloom + Bread team can be seen volunteering at local charities and the business has donated biscuits and baked goods to homeless shelters. They are also passionate about partnering with non-profit organizations to support them in their fundraising goals.
She says one of the most difficult things she has had to overcome in developing her own business is getting over her own fear and anxiety, and says she was the “greatest impediment” to her own success.
“I was always waiting for something to happen or for things to be perfect before I started the business. The truth is that there is no perfect time to start a business. You need to develop a plan, stick to it, and get out of your own way,” Battista says.
Some of her greatest accomplishments in owning her own business is having the freedom to be present for her family and business at the same time.
“I never have to choose one over the other. I’m proud of the team we have and the work we do.”
Not only do they make some tasty jalapeno queso biscuits, but their storefront also offers classes for cooking and floral design, a fun way to see what Bread + Bloom has to offer and also a fun way to interact with other people in the Fox Valley community.
Her advice for people looking to become business owners is to make sure they have a five-year-plan for their business.
“If you don’t have time to sit down and put the vision for your business on paper, you have no place starting a business to begin with. Work with your local small business association or chamber of commerce to get going.”
Open to the public Tuesday, Thursday, Friday 10AM to 4PM, Saturday 10AM to 2PM, and also by appointment
Bloom + Bread, Inc.
1020 Cedar Avenue
St. Charles IL 60174
bloomandbread.com
Visit Bloom + Bread on their social media pages and give them a like and a follow
