We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Kate Swisher. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Kate below.

Alright, Kate thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. So let’s jump to your mission – what’s the backstory behind how you developed the mission that drives your brand?

At Charlie’s Bouquet Bar, our mission is simple: to help people say what words can’t through the language of our flowers.

But behind that mission is a very personal story — one rooted in love, resilience, and the quiet beauty of starting over.

This business began during one of the most transformative times in my life. I was navigating single motherhood, healing from emotional abuse, and trying to piece together a life that felt honest and full again. Arranging flowers at my kitchen table became more than a creative outlet—it became a way to process, to communicate, to connect. Slowly, it turned into something much bigger: a space for others to feel seen, celebrated, and supported.

Our flowers aren’t just pretty. They’re personal. They’re wild, a little messy, and full of meaning—just like life. Every bouquet we make carries a piece of that truth: softness as strength, color as comfort, beauty as a form of expression when words fall short.

At the heart of it all is my daughter, Charlie and God. They’re my ‘why’ and my reminder through times of struggle. Charlie’s name is prominent because her joy, wonder, and untamed spirit are in every petal we place. She’s why we do this with so much heart.

So when we say “Say it with flowers,” we mean our flowers. The kind that don’t scream “look how fancy I am,” but gently whisper “this just feels like me.”
Because this business isn’t just about blooms—it’s about making moments that matter. And we’re honored to be a part of yours.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I’m Kate! The owner and lead floral designer of Charlie’s Bouquet Bar, a pop-up-based floral design company based in Denver, Colorado. While we began with by-the-stem florals at farmers markets, we’ve grown into full-service event design—especially weddings—and it’s quickly become the heart of what we do.

I started Charlie’s Bouquet Bar in 2023, just before my daughter Charlie turned two. As a single mom and Denver native, I was looking for more than a creative outlet—I wanted to build a life that allowed for both flexibility and purpose. I walked away from corporate America and, within 72 hours, launched this company with five-gallon buckets, borrowed supplies, and some farm-fresh blooms at my first market in Cherry Creek. It wasn’t polished, but it was real—and it resonated.

Since then, we’ve stayed true to our roots while growing into a trusted floral partner for weddings and large-scale events across Colorado. Whether it’s an intimate backyard ceremony or a full-scale event installation, our approach remains the same: flowers should feel like you—thoughtful, expressive, and full of story.

Here’s what we offer today:

Full-service wedding floral design, from bouquets to large-scale installations (with NO minimums)!
Pop-up bouquet bars for wedding showers, welcome parties, or day-of interactive guest experiences
By-the-stem florals at markets and events
Seasonal grab-and-go bouquets, all with our signature playful style
Monthly floral subscriptions – launched 2025 :)
What sets us apart:
We’re not a traditional flower shop—and that’s intentional. We’re a mobile, pop-up-based floral experience that meets our community where they are. Whether it’s at a farmers market, a local event, or your wedding venue, we bring fresh flowers and meaningful design to the heart of each space.

We’re known for florals that feel natural, whimsical, and emotional—nothing too stiff or expected. Our designs lean into movement, color, and character. We name our bouquets like The One That Feels Like a Hug or The One That Says Thanks for Everything, because our flowers are meant to speak for you when words fall short.

Why weddings?
Weddings are personal. They’re layered with meaning. And the florals? They should feel like the couple. I love working with clients to create florals that reflect not just their color palette, but their love story. I want your bouquet and wedding vision to feel like it’s coming to life. I want your ceremony arch to look like joy.

What I’m most proud of:
That what started with a toddler on my hip and a handful of flowers has grown into a brand people recognize and trust. Being grateful for everything and giving that glory to God has been unwavering and has truly been the foundation of all of the leaps of faith I have taken or had to take. I’m proud of the relationships we’ve built, the couples we’ve celebrated, and the way we’ve continued to grow without ever losing sight of what matters: connection, joy, and authenticity.

What I want people to know:
Charlie’s Bouquet Bar is more than just florals—it’s a love story in bloom. It’s about capturing real moments, celebrating real people, and building something beautiful that lasts longer than the petals. Whether you’re planning a wedding, hosting an event, or picking up a stem on a Sunday morning, we’re here to help you say it with flowers.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

Honestly? Showing up. Again and again—with intention, consistency, and care.

I built my reputation by being deeply present in the spaces I work in. Whether it’s popping up at a local farmers market or setting up a full-scale wedding installation, I approach every bouquet and every conversation with the same level of care. I think people can feel when something is real—and from day one, Charlie’s Bouquet Bar has been just that. Real. Personal. Rooted in leaps of faith at every turn.

I also think transparency and responsiveness go a long way. I communicate clearly, I meet deadlines, and I treat every client—whether they’re buying a single stem or booking a full-service wedding—as if their experience is the only one that matters. Because it is in that moment and everyone should get to have that feeling to know if hiring me would be the best fit.

And more than anything, I’ve built this reputation by keeping it small and intentional. I’m not trying to scale fast or be everywhere at once. I’m trying to be excellent where I am—one stem, one event, one customer at a time.

People remember how you make them feel, and at the end of the day, I hope our flowers—and the way we show up—feel like joy.

Have you ever had to pivot?

Of course! The biggest pivot I’ve made—both in business and in life—was stepping away from the version of my future I had always imagined and choosing to start Charlie’s Bouquet Bar instead. It wasn’t a linear decision, and it definitely wasn’t just about 72 hours and a farmers market tent. That moment may have been the visible start, but the real pivot began long before—with letting go of what I thought life was supposed to look like.

As a single mom navigating uncertainty, I had to face a lot of fear—financial fear, emotional fear, the fear of failure, and the fear of being seen trying. But what I kept coming back to was this: I wanted to build something real. Something that gave Charlie and me not just flexibility, but freedom. Something that was rooted in faith, creativity, purpose, and presence.

So yes, in 72 hours I launched a business with five-gallon buckets, borrowed supplies, and a handful of farm-fresh blooms. But that was only one piece of the pivot. The bigger shift was deciding to keep going—to keep growing—even when things felt uncertain. To trust myself. To have faith. To take up space. To build a business (and a life) that felt honest, even when it didn’t feel easy.

That pivot taught me that resilience doesn’t always look loud. Sometimes it looks like showing up quietly, again and again, with intention. It taught me that growth doesn’t require perfection—it just requires movement, integrity, and a little bit of grit. And it reminded me that sometimes the best things bloom in the most unexpected places.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.charliesbouquetbar.com
• Instagram: @Charlies.bouquet.bar
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Charlies.Bouquet.Bar/