Meet Kate Swisher | Lead Florist, Farmer & Owner, Charlie’s Bouquet Bar

We had the good fortune of connecting with Kate Swisher and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kate, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
The thought process behind starting Charlie’s Bouquet Bar wasn’t about crafting the perfect plan—it was about taking a leap of faith for something I believed in deeply. I left corporate America not because it was easy, but because I wanted something more—a life that aligned with my values, gave me the flexibility to be present for my daughter, Charlie, and allowed me to pour my heart into something meaningful.

Charlie was just shy of her second birthday when I decided to make this dream a reality. I wanted her to grow up seeing that joy and passion can be a way of life, that hard work can create something beautiful, and that there’s power in following your heart. With those motivations in mind, I dove in headfirst.

In just 72 hours, I gathered five-gallon buckets, borrowed a tent, and pieced together a small collection of farm-fresh blooms (mainly peonies) to set up at our first farmers market. It wasn’t polished, it wasn’t perfect—but it was ours. That first weekend, standing under a borrowed tent with my daughter and my mom by my side, I saw the beginning of something much bigger.

I left corporate America because I craved more than a stable paycheck. I wanted freedom—the freedom to create, the freedom to connect with people, and the freedom to live a life filled with joy and purpose. Flowers became the medium for that vision because they speak a universal language. They celebrate milestones, offer comfort, and create connections that words often can’t.

Since those first few whirlwind days, Charlie’s Bouquet Bar has grown into something I’m incredibly proud of and look forward to watching it grow! From offering flowers by the stem to creating large-scale wedding installations and planning for our upcoming subscription service, this business has been a reflection of love, hard work, and the belief that growth is possible when you stay true to your values.

Starting this business wasn’t just about making a career shift—it was about building a life that matters, not just to me. Every bouquet, every connection, every milestone we celebrate through flowers is a reminder of why I took that leap. It’s for Charlie, it’s for our community, and it’s for the joy of growing something truly meaningful.

What should our readers know about your business?
“Flowers speak louder than words”— Charlie’s Bouquet Bar. What began as a whirlwind idea with a few buckets, some farm-fresh blooms and borrowed supplies has blossomed into something much bigger, proving that a single stem can tell a story, celebrate a milestone, or brighten someone’s day.

We began with the joy of selling flowers by the stem, inviting customers to build their own bouquets and make meaningful connections through blooms. This is still at the core of what we offer—whether it’s a single stem for a personal touch or a handful to create something uniquely yours, we are committed to making and keeping flowers accessible and meaningful.

Our home base has always been at local farmers markets, and we wouldn’t have it any other way. Without the immediate burden of a storefront, these markets allow us to connect with many communities in a way that feels authentic and personal. They’ve given us space to grow and share our passion, and they’re where our customers first fell in love with our blooms.

From those humble beginnings, we’ve grown—literally and figuratively—into offering large-scale designs for weddings, corporate events, and home installations. And in 2025, we’re thrilled to launch year-round monthly floral subscriptions to bring consistent beauty into our customers’ lives while staying rooted in the joy and accessibility that started it all.

Charlie’s Bouquet Bar began with a simple idea: flowers have a way of saying what words can’t. Our motto, “Say it with flowers,” perfectly captures the heart of what we do. But this company is more than just a business—it’s a reflection of my journey as a single mom and my love and hope for my daughter, Charlie, who was just shy of her second birthday when this dream became a reality.

In the span of 72 hours, I pulled together five-gallon buckets, a borrowed tent, and a collection of farm-fresh flowers to make it to our first farmers market in Cherry Creek. It wasn’t perfect, but it was ours. What started as a leap of faith turned into something so much bigger—a way to create beauty, connection, and possibility.

Since that whirlwind weekend, it’s been nothing but growth and refinery. We still offer flowers by the stem, inviting our customers to build their own unique bouquets, but now we’ve expanded into weddings, corporate events, and even home installations. In 2025, we’re launching year-round monthly floral subscriptions to bring even more beauty into the lives of those we serve.

What I want people to know is this: starting something new doesn’t have to be perfect. If you’re willing to take that first step, trust your vision, and show up authentically, growth will follow. This journey has been about more than building a business—it’s been about creating a life that matters, rooted in love, joy, and a little girl named Charlie who inspired it all.

What sets us apart? First, it’s our belief that flowers aren’t just decorative—they’re expressive, accessible, and meaningful. Every arrangement we create is a story, a sentiment, or a moment captured in blooms. Second, we value the personal connections we make with our customers and community. Whether it’s a heartfelt conversation at the farmers market or a collaborative process with a bride or event planner, we genuinely care about creating something meaningful. Lastly, we’re rooted in sustainability and local support. From partnering with local flower farmers to hand-selecting seasonal stems, we’re committed to honoring both our craft and our environment.

What I’m most proud of is how we have grown while staying true to our roots. Every bouquet we create is a testament to the love and care that started this journey. From the farmers markets where we’ve built connections to the larger-scale designs we now offer, it’s all part of a story I’m proud to share. Watching this little dream blossom into something that touches so many lives has been one of the greatest joys of my life.

Starting Charlie’s Bouquet Bar meant stepping away from the corporate world and taking a leap of faith. It was far from easy—I had to learn everything from accounting to event logistics while managing the unpredictability of small business life. But I overcame those challenges by leaning into my “why.” When the hours were long or the uncertainties piled up, I reminded myself that I was building something not just for myself, but for my daughter, Charlie, and our community – and everything yet to come.

The lessons I’ve learned along the way could fill a garden (or 100), but they all come back to one core belief: who you are holds more weight than what you are or what you sell. I’ve learned that perfection is overrated, and progress matters more. I’ve learned to embrace collaboration, because no one succeeds alone. I’ve learned that flowers have an incredible way of bringing people together, and that’s the joy I want to keep sharing with the world.

Above all, I’ve learned that flowers have a unique way of bringing people together. They tell stories, celebrate milestones, and create connections that words often can’t. Sharing that magic has been one of the greatest rewards of this journey, and I’m proud to carry it forward with integrity and heart.

We still offer flowers by the stem at local farmers markets, where our journey began, but we’ve also grown to provide floral designs for weddings, corporate events, and home installations. In 2025, we’re launching year-round monthly floral subscriptions to bring even more beauty into the lives of our customers.

For more information, visit our website at www.charliesbouquetbar.com.

If there’s one thing I want people to know about Charlie’s Bouquet Bar, it’s this: we’re here to create more than bouquets. We’re here to help you celebrate life’s big and small moments with flowers that speak for you. Our story is still being written, but every step of the way, it’s rooted in joy, love, and the beauty of human connection.

From the very beginning, I committed to creating something honest and real—whether that meant showing up at farmers markets rain or shine, hand-selecting every stem with care, or treating every customer interaction as an opportunity to build trust.

There have been moments when pushing through felt daunting, but staying rooted in my values made all the difference. I’ve learned that progress always beats perfection, and no matter how tough the day might get, the work itself is rewarding because it’s built on genuine passion. Collaboration has been another cornerstone of growth—no one builds a dream like this alone. The support of my family first, fellow flower farmers, “neighbor” vendors, and loyal customers has been invaluable in shaping what Charlie’s Bouquet Bar is today.

Above all, I’ve learned that flowers have an extraordinary way of bringing people together. They tell stories that words often fail to capture, celebrate milestones with elegance, and create connections that linger long after the moment has passed. Each stem, each arrangement, is so more than just a collection of blooms—it’s an expression of emotion, a gesture of love, and a way to connect people to one another and to the beauty of the world around them.

Sharing that joy has been one of the greatest rewards of this journey. There’s something deeply humbling about knowing that the work of my hands can speak to someone’s heart in ways I may never fully understand. Flowers remind us to pause, to celebrate, and to find joy in the fleeting moments that make life meaningful.

It’s a privilege I carry forward with grace, integrity, and a heart full of gratitude.

If there’s one thing I want people to know about Charlie’s Bouquet Bar, it’s this: when you support us, you’re not just buying flowers—you’re supporting a small business rooted in love, resilience, and the joy of growing something meaningful.

Our story is still growing, and every step we take is rooted in joy, love, and the beauty of human connection. Whether it’s through a single stem, a wedding installation, or a monthly subscription, we aim to bring the magic of flowers into your life in a way that feels personal and unforgettable.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
As one of the last standing “born and raised in Denver” locals, this city isn’t just where I live—it’s woven into who I am. From childhood memories at beloved landmarks to new favorite spots I’ve discovered as an adult, Denver holds a special kind of magic that keeps me inspired and grounded. Let me take you on a little tour of my favorite places—ones that feel like home and make this city unforgettable.

Morning Rituals
Mornings in Denver are the perfect time to recharge and reset. My favorite spots make it easy to start the day with a smile:

Astro Coffee Van: Their nitro cold brew is unmatched, and the minimalist vibe gives me the perfect dose of calm before a busy day.
Rivers and Roads Coffee: A cozy spot where I can enjoy a great cup of coffee while Charlie munches on a pastry.
Blooming Inspiration

Flowers are at the heart of what I do, so naturally, I’m drawn to places bursting with blooms and creativity:

Denver Botanic Gardens: This is my happy place. It’s a never-ending source of inspiration for my arrangements and a peaceful escape when I need to recharge.
Central Park Farmers Market: Not only do I find some of the freshest flowers here, but it’s also where I connect with other passionate makers and small business owners.

Family-Friendly Favorites
As a mom, finding places where Charlie and I can make memories together is everything:

The Denver Zoo: It’s a must. Charlie’s face lights up every time she sees the giraffes, and it reminds me how magical this city is through her eyes.
Washington Park (Wash Park): With its wide-open green spaces, playgrounds, and beautiful lakes, it’s the perfect spot for us to enjoy an afternoon outside. BY THE WAY, YOU CAN RENT PEDAL BOATS!
Four Mile Historic Park: This gem offers a peek into Denver’s pioneer history, complete with hands-on activities, historic buildings, and even farm animals. Charlie loves exploring the grounds, and I appreciate the way it blends fun with learning.
*Ester’s Neighborhood Pub: A true gem for both families and foodies. Their pizza is a favorite, and the laid-back vibe makes it the perfect spot to unwind with Charlie after a busy day.

Some of my favorite places are the ones that feel like little treasures:

Tattered Cover Bookstore: There’s something magical about getting lost in the shelves of this iconic Denver spot with a latte in hand.
City Park: Whether it’s an early morning jog or watching the city light up at dusk, this park always feels like home.
Wrapping Up the Day
For me, sunsets in Denver are sacred, and there’s no better place to catch them than:

Lookout Mountain: The view is breathtaking—watching the sun dip behind the Rockies while the city lights twinkle below never gets old.
Denver isn’t just my hometown—it’s my heart. It’s a place that encourages creativity, fosters community, and offers endless inspiration. Every corner holds a story, and I feel so lucky to grow my own story here, in a city that feels like a little bit of everything all at once.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
A heartfelt shoutout to all the incredible flower farmers and farmers market vendors and organizers (GumPOP Presents, Denver Bazaar, Central Park Farmers’ Market, our newest Sunday home, and Cherry Creek Holiday Market….to name a few) who paved the way for me and so many others. You’ve built a community that’s more than just a marketplace—it’s a network of passion, perseverance, creativity and generosity.

As a new business owner, I’ve learned more from your shared experiences, advice, and examples than I ever could have imagined. Your willingness to welcome, teach, and inspire is a testament to the beauty of this work and the people behind it.

This is an ode to those who came before me—the ones who turned their love for flowers and farming into something extraordinary. Thank you for showing me what’s possible, for proving that collaboration always beats competition, and for making this journey not only possible but profoundly meaningful.

And to our amazing customers—you are the reason we do what we do! Whether it’s sharing a story, leaving a thoughtful review, commenting on our posts, or purchasing a single stem, your support means the world to us. Every kind word and moment of encouragement reminds us why this journey is so worth it. We love every single one of you who has cheered us on and shared in the joy of what we’re building.

You’ve all shown me that the joy of this work isn’t just in the flowers we grow or the goods we sell—it’s in the community we nurture and the traditions we carry forward. I am endlessly grateful for your example and your support, and I’m honored to stand on the shoulders of giants while growing alongside the most incredible customers.

Website: https://www.charliesbouquetbar.com

Instagram: @charlies.bouquet.bar

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/charlies.bouquet.bar

Image Credits
All photos were taken by Kate Swisher, but no credit is needed.