Opening Flowers Just-4-U in 1984 to Serve Her Community
In the bustling Central District of Seattle stands Flowers Just-4-U, the area’s first-ever Black-owned floral shop. Owner Mary Wesley, affectionately called “Miss Mary,” founded the store in 1984 with the goal of bringing beautiful flowers to her neighborhood.
“It was just something I loved to do and it was giving something back to my community. We did not have a flower shop in the community,” Wesley said.
Though she couldn’t recall the exact number of arrangements crafted over 40 years, Miss Mary estimated “tens of thousands” of bouquets have passed through her doors for momentous life events across Seattle and beyond.
Nearly Forced Out But Saved By Community Support
In 2018, Flowers Just-4-U was displaced from its original location at 23rd and Jackson by new development in the rapidly-gentrifying Central District. Wesley managed to relocate her shop to 23rd and Cherry, but struggled with less foot traffic and parking.
Facing eviction in 2020, the community rallied around the beloved florist. A GoFundMe campaign raised the funds needed for Miss Mary to keep her shop’s doors open. The flower shop marks its 40th anniversary still in business in 2024 thanks to dedicated customers and Wesley’s undying passion.
Boeing Career to Floral Dreams Come True
Mary Wesley originally had an almost 30-year career as an engineer at Boeing. After retiring in 1997, she went back to school to study horticulture and flower design before making her small business dreams a reality.
Opening Flowers Just-4-U allowed Wesley to merge her creative talents with her entrepreneurial spirit to uplift the neighborhood she loves. Despite setbacks over the decades, Miss Mary continues to spread joy through floral arrangements with no plans to slow down.
“It’s a very joyous thing. I can never find the words to say it how I’d like to express it because there’s not a word yet I think I could use that would really explain how I feel about my career,” Wesley said.
A Community Pillar Providing Comfort and Celebration
Far more than a flower shop, Flowers Just-4-U and Mary Wesley herself represent pillars of the Central District community. Miss Mary has provided flowers for celebrations big and small while also comforting grieving families for 40 years.
Current employee Sue Grimord calls her workplace “a family” and attests to Wesley’s unwavering care for every customer. Though operating on a smaller scale than in earlier years, Flowers Just-4-U remains a neighborhood staple going strong into its fifth decade.
Miss Mary Wesley’s enduring legacy is one of resilience, inspiration, and always making space for beautiful flowers.
