Bee Ridge Florist welcomes community inside for Feel Good Fair

Alex Wise-Brewer and sister Devyn Wise grew up in the shop Bee Ridge Florist, which their parents Carl Wise and Paula Wise have owned since 1996.

Wise-Brewer says she initially didn't see herself transitioning from her role in the corporate world, where she worked in employee benefits, to running the shop. 

Yet when it came to the choice of selling the shop, which was founded in 1978, or taking over, the sisters decided to make it theirs. 

"That was kind of a wake-up call," she said. "My sister and I decided that we did want to take over, and this business is like another family member to us. We grew up in it, with it, alongside it, so to give it up forever did not seem like a possibility."

She said they're working to modernize the store, a process that includes hosting events to draw in the community.

On Aug. 16, they hosted the Feel Good Fair, a wellness-focused event that invited vendors from the local community to share their services, with a build-your-own flower bouquet station.

Wise-Brewer said the shop takes pride in being honest with customers and fair about pricing, and that this is something she is working to continue. 

The shop's offerings include flowers for different occasions, as well as flower deliveries. Wise-Brewer says perhaps her children and her sister's children will carry on the business.

"I'm sure my parents were hoping that, and it worked out, so maybe it will happen with ours," she said.