Bloompop, an online marketplace for flower bouquets using local florists, will be exiting private beta at the end of August. The company, which was founded in January by Shavanna Miller, operates out of 1776.
"We're an online marketplace for beautiful flowers," explains Miller. "We offer quality and unique designs from local florists. These are not cookie-cutter designs." Bloompop's model is similar to Etsy's, in that florists will have their own shops with their own designs featured. In addition, Bloompop has a social component. It is integrated with Facebook and Pinterest, and customers can browse and "favorite" flowers and arrangements, which makes it easier for customers' significant others or family members to send something that they really like.
Bloompop currently delivers to locations in D.C., Arlington, Alexandria, McLean and parts of Bethesda and Silver Spring. The company is working with local florists in each location that "match our aesthetic," says Miller. "Our goal is to [be] nationwide. We'll be adding three more cities by the end of the year." For now, she explains, it's easier to get feedback on Bloompop's service and "work out the kinks and logistics" by starting in an area where she and her two employees live and work.
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