CULLMAN, Ala. – Cullman High graduate and Vinemont resident Samantha Sanford had a vision to create a color block-style store that featured all things fun and joy-filled, sporting plants, flowers, home decor and more.
On June 10, 2024, that vision came to fruition as her plant, gift and home decor business Velvet Summer opened its doors in Cullman.
Known for her creative flower arrangements, floristry design and artistic wedding pieces, the Sanford, who also owns Willow & Pine Floral Design, said she wanted to bring a different dimension to bouquets and the happiness they give her clients.
“We call our store’s tag-line ‘a little bit of happiness for your home and life,’” Sanford said. “I truly wanted to somehow create a color-blocked plant and gift shop that would bring joy to everyone who walked in. I wanted it to feel happy and peaceful from the moment you enter with gifts for all occasions.”
Sanford said she got inspiration from a store in San Diego she visited called Shop Pigment.
“When I walked in, I realized this was it – these were the things we wanted to implement, but add even more to it,” Sanford said. “When we told the owners of Shop Pigment what we were wanting to do in Alabama, they were full of encouragement. They actually asked one of my store partners, Harley Forrester, and I if we wanted them to teach us how to do those succulent gardens. Of course we accepted. They also own Sunshine Studios and Jungle Club, which is a wholesale market. We carry several of their items in the store.”
Velvet Summer will also offer a Flower Bar on Fridays during business hours.
“We usually have 10-15 flowers that we work through and you can build your bouquet as supplies last,” Sanford said. “So you can spend as little or as much as you want.”
Velvet Summer is open Monday-Friday from 10 a.m.-7 p.m. and Saturdays 10 a.m.-4 p.m. It is closed on Sundays.
It is located at 313B Fourth St. SW across from Cotton Creek in downtown Cullman. Get more info at www.velvetsummer.com.
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