Opening Flowers Just-4-U in 1984 to Uplift Her Community
In the vibrant Central District of Seattle stands Flowers Just-4-U, the area’s first-ever Black-owned floral shop. Owner Mary Wesley , affectionately dubbed “Miss Mary,” established the store in 1984 with the mission of bringing beautiful flowers to her neighborhood.
“It was just something I loved to do and it was giving something back to my community . We did not have a flower shop in the community,” Wesley explained.
Though unable to recall the exact number of arrangements crafted over 40 years, Miss Mary guesstimated “tens of thousands” of bouquets have passed through her doors for momentous life events across Seattle and beyond.
Facing Hardships But Saved By Her Community’s Support
In 2018, Flowers Just-4-U was forced out of its original 23rd and Jackson location by new development in the rapidly gentrifying Central District. Wesley relocated her shop to 23rd and Cherry but struggled with less foot traffic and parking.