Growing up in Iowa, I was no stranger to gazing out the window on long car rides, floating on highways through seas of corn and beans in what felt like my backyard. I watched the fields change through the seasons, the corn rising in the spring to fall again in the winter, and I saw myself change and grow each time it did. 

        I often had a question returning from a young age: Who am I? And what is my meaning, my purpose? After having that question only partly answered, I've sprung back into that mindset of my childhood self, dreaming through the passenger window. So here I am, sowing my seeds, growing my roots, and hoping each spring I rise higher than the last, entering winter feeling grateful for the challenges and accomplishments of the year that passed. 

        My garden is undeniably one of my happiest places. If you enjoy gardening, you might know what I'm talking about. It's a place to clear your mind and enjoy nature's beauty. In the summer, we spend several evenings in our garden, leading to laughter, learning, and making new memories. 

        Seeing my daughter's genuine excitement at every stage, from seed starting to harvesting, adds to my passion for what I do. We named our daughter Ellie, and over time, it grew into Ellie Bell, inspiring the creation of Bell's Blooms - our venture to offer stunning, local blooms.

        Having spent four previous years immersed in the world of vegetable gardening, I had an idea of what to expect. But as the seeds grew from the soil, I never expected my love for flowers to outpace the growth of the seedlings. Once it was time to harvest, I surrounded myself with buckets of flowers and started arranging. We unloaded at the farmers market the next day and hoped for the best. When I began meeting people who lived in our community, hearing their love for flowers and memories of growing up with flower gardens. I felt this was worth continuing.

        I started planning Bell's Blooms in late 2021. Three seasons later, my "why" feels different and potentially ever-evolving. On day one, I started Bell's Blooms for personal growth, to create a life I love, and to be a role model for my daughter. But as time goes by, I'm finding my "whys" all around me – in a warm conversation with new customers, in the glow of the setting sun as I pick beautiful blooms, and the sense of belonging when attending farmers' markets. Most of all, the way my daughter looks at me, believing that I can do anything.

        Setting out to start something new comes with many challenges and victories, and I am genuinely thankful for each one. I'd be thrilled to meet you if we haven't connected yet. Contact us today for many of your floral needs.

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Sincerely,

Brooke Hilt

Owner of Bell's Blooms