The Blooming Idea

McCarthy said the company's business is balanced fairly evenly between weddings and events, basic retail customers and commercial accounts. Although he said the floral industry has dwindled over the past few years—with about 8,000 florists remaining nationwide—McCarthy believes a quality florist such as The Blooming Idea can thrive.

Comparing the floral industry to the wine industry, he said flowers grow in particular regions of the world, and many flower growers prefer shipping high volumes of flowers to major grocery chains. However, flower providers grow smaller crops of rarer, superior products for personal florists that can deliver higher quality products at a higher price.

Talented designers also give The Blooming Idea an edge, McCarthy said. He praised his design team—which features both industry veterans and designers out of college—who can receive an order and design a distinctive product in a matter of hours.

"It's almost like an art studio in a sense, because they all have their own signatures and their own comfort zones, and it's very interesting to see how they interact," he said. "They're always looking and reviewing and critiquing how each person's doing."

McCarthy said the delivery service also sets the company apart, as it can provide same-day delivery. An automated system allows the florist to manage the floral design process and provide automated delivery email updates.

Originally from Scotland, McCarthy said he and his wife, Mary, have wanted to own their own business for years. The couple moved around the globe, with his information technology background bringing them to the Houston area in 2001. Shortly after, they decided to use Mary's creative talents and opened the Blooming Idea's first location on FM 1488.

"Mary has always been gifted and talented and a very creative person," he said. "She loves working with her hands and creating stuff. It just seemed like a natural fit for her to do something like floral design."

After moving to The Woodlands in 2007 from their previous location in Magnolia, The Blooming Idea has attracted loyal followers, McCarthy said.

"It's a little bit like a good dentist or a good doctor," he said. "Once you've got a good florist, you tend to hang on to them."

The Blooming Idea, 8008 Ashlane Way, The Woodlands,281-465-4288, www.thebloomingidea.com, Mon.—Fri.: 9 a.m.—6 p.m., Sat.: 10 a.m.—2 p.m., Closed Sunday

The Blooming Idea, 25915 Budde Road, The Woodlands, 281-362-8977, www.thebloomingidea.com, Mon.—Fri.: 8 a.m.—5 p.m., Closed Saturday and Sunday