Local flower shop expands footprint, services

As Sugar Land Town Square was first starting to develop, Pat Houck decided to open a local flower shop in a small kiosk within the development. She opened House of Blooms in 2007 to provide floral arrangements, gifts and party accessories to individuals and businesses around town.

"I wanted to do something special that I could enjoy and be proud of," Houck said. "Also, I want to leave this as a legacy for my children."

Houck's business has continued to grow over the years, requiring a larger location. In late 2013, Houck opened a second storefront in Sugar Land Town Square to showcase a variety of floral arrangements and gift items, but she still maintains the small kiosk to offer quick service for individuals.

"We wanted to be able to focus more on weddings and other special events," Houck said. "We needed the space to show all of our new products. When people look at us now, they know we can help them. Our goal is to work with every individual to provide them with the best customer service. I decided to keep the kiosk [open] with several pre-made arrangements, so if someone is in a rush they can come in and go."

In addition to one-on-one consultations and sales, Houck's business works with several companies around town for special events and bereavement services. Business has continued to blossom, she said, and House of Blooms has brought on several new staff members, including in-house delivery drivers and floral designers from around the country.

"Our in-house designers each have their specialties," Houck said. "They are all great at what they do."

House of Blooms offers both local and exotic live and silk flowers and plants and on any given day can have hundreds of varietals available for guests to peruse.

"We get flowers and plants from all over [the country]," Houck said. "We recently were sent some extra long-stemmed roses from Florida in preparation for Valentine's Day. We keep our flower selections very fresh."

Whether it is a single red rose for a special someone or a room full of flowers for a wedding or anniversary, House of Blooms is poised to meet the growing needs of local customers throughout the community, she said.

"We have found everyone has been very helpful and accommodating in helping our business grow," Houck said.

A helping hand

House of Blooms works with several nonprofit organizations around Fort Bend County by providing donated flower arrangements and items for banquets and other public events.

Owner Pat Houck said she likes to focus on giving back to the community that has helped her business flourish. A few of the organizations she is involved with include:

• Fort Bend Education Foundation
• Fort Bend YMCA locations
• CASA Home Tours
• Sugar Land Rotary Club

Humble beginnings

What began as a few hundred square feet in Sugar Land Town Square has grown into a full-service florist. Houck started House of Blooms to explore her appreciation for floral design and has grown her business to become a premier local flower shop, floral designer and event service provider. House of Blooms continues to operate its original kiosk for quick, individual service.

Family business

For Houck, doing business has become a family affair. Her daughter, Tiffany Houck-Ruiz, has worked as the bridal consultant at House of Blooms since the business opened in 2007.

Houck's passion for flowers has grown, and she serves on the board of the Allied Florists of Houston—an organization that monitors market trends and provides information on the floral business.

Expanding services

The new House of Blooms showroom in Sugar Land Town Square opened in late 2013, allowing the business to display dozens of products complete with walk-in coolers, floral accessories and gift items. The larger location has allowed the House of Blooms staff to provide banquet-style services for weddings, anniversaries, corporate events and other large-scale events.

16093 City Walk

Sugar Land 281-242-1555

www.sugarlandhouseofblooms.com

Hours: Mon.–Sat. 9 a.m.–6 p.m.