A distinctive dual business has quickly blossomed in Olde Towne Okotoks.
CD Bloom Floral Studio and Coffee Bar took home three awards in the 2019 Best of the Foothills Western Wheel Reader’s Choice Awards, earning gold for Best Floral Shop, silver for both Best New Business and co-owner Jim Boudreau picked up the silver in the Best Bartender/Server category.
“I’m completely overwhelmed and excited and I feel so proud to be part of the community that looks at us as being some place they love to come to and to put forward a vote of confidence and appreciation to us,” said Cindy Boudreau, who co-owns the business with husband Jim. “I’m grinning ear to ear because I think it’s amazing and I’m kind of shocked. We’re very proud to be part of the Okotoks community.”
CD Bloom opened its doors to the public on Aug. 23 of last year and fulfilled the Boudreau’s desires to offer a floral design space, but with a caffeinated twist.
“I’ve always wanted to own my own design studio and we wanted to offer classes and workshops,” Cindy said. “And have people come to a space where they can feel creative, be creative and can create design pieces with flowers and so we thought we would people come to our establishment?”
A mutual passion for all things coffee led the Boudreau’s towards the idea of combining the space into both a coffee shop and floral studio.
“Everybody gathers over coffee, they reconnect with their family and their friends over coffee or tea,” Cindy added. “We just felt like the two were a great union so people could come and enjoy a beverage and check out the studio and see if there’s that something they would like to experience.
“(People) are quite surprised because they think it’s either one or the other and they’re very happy and think it’s pretty unique. The vibe and the feeling is different than other locations so they’ve responded very positively and we’re so grateful.”
Housed on the historic Elma Street, CD Bloom has found its perfect spot to grow in the heart of the Okotoks small business community.
“We wanted to be on this street because we have a different type of business,” Cindy said. “The feel that we wanted fit in with this street, the businesses that are established on this street and the new and up and coming ones are pretty unique, different types of business that have something wonderful to offer.
“Working together to promote not only Elma Street, but the downtown core is pretty awesome and every business on this street has wonderful owners and staff to support the same thing.”
