Love & Bloom: Growing Beauty and Community in Dodge City

Love & Bloom: Growing Beauty and Community in Dodge City

Nestled in the heart of Dodge City, Love & Bloom is more than just a flower shop, it’s a local favorite that blends creativity, warmth, and community connection. Owned by Marissa Vargas, the shop combines a floral studio and cozy coffee nook, offering customers a space to slow down and appreciate life’s simple joys.

For the past three years, Love & Bloom has become a go-to for residents across southwest Kansas, known for its high-quality arrangements and signature 50-rose bouquets, which remain its best-selling item. “Our customers value the quality and design,” Vargas shared. “Even when times are tough, people still find reasons to celebrate or show love.”

As part of the Dodge City/Ford County Development Corporation’s ongoing Business Retention & Expansion (BR&E) program, staff recently sat down with Vargas to learn more about her business journey and current challenges.

 “Like many small retailers, Love & Bloom has adapted to a changing economy. While walk-in traffic has shifted, we’re excited to expand our online sales and create new ways to connect with our customers.”

She expressed interest in additional training opportunities, particularly around marketing, customer service, and using AI tools like ChatGPT to expand outreach. “I’d love to learn what has worked for other small businesses,” she said. “We need new ideas and ways to reach customers beyond traditional methods.”

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During the BR&E visit, Vargas highlighted how simple gestures—like sharing posts or liking photos—truly make a big impact on our small local community business and help spread the word with friends about what’s happening in our community. “Support from the community helps us stay visible,” she said.