Take 5: Blooming Kids

Take 5 is a quick look into a small local business, complete with 5 photos & 5 questions for the owner.

Amy and Justin Natali, Owners
website: www.blooming-kids.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/bloomingkids
Instagram: www.instagram.com/bloomingkidstacoma

Blooming Kids childrens consignment in Proctor, Tacoma

I was so glad it was sunny out when I walked my way up the steps and through the bright yellow door at Blooming Kids. Amy and her husband Justin were finishing up helping a couple of customers so I made myself comfy at the coloring corner table at the front of the store and got set up for our interview. Amy is a former kindergarten teacher and currently works part time as an elementary school librarian. For that reason and the nature of the store’s clientele, it has a few kindergarten size pieces of furniture in it. We laughed as we wiggled our way into the small seats and settled in for our interview.

Amy Natali owner of Blooming Kids in Proctor Tacoma

Tell me about your business and what makes it unique.
We are a children’s consignment shop featuring clothing, books, toys and so much more. But we are also a venue for local makers to sell their things. We currently have over 25 artists and makers in the store! We are the brick and mortar place for businesses who don’t have brick and mortar.

What’s your favorite part about the Proctor Business District?
I love the walkability of Proctor. We can grocery shop, stop at the post office, eat lunch, run into friends, see a movie, grab a coffee…  It feels like a small town in Proctor.

What would you do to improve Tacoma?
Tacoma could use more consistent sidewalks.

Do you currently have a favorite item in your shop?
I love the Paper Airplane Factory signs. They are hand painted and have such great sayings on them.

How do YOU experience Tacoma?
On foot! We take what we call “urban adventures’ around town. It’s such a great way to see the city.

Paper Airplane Factory wooden signs at Blooming Kids children consignment in Proctor Tacoma

Childrens clothing at Blooming Kids store and Tacoma event space

A few of the locals represented at Blooming Kids include:
Jewelry by Splendor & Stone
Skin products by KV Apothecary
Pointillism Art by Mrs. Carlisle’s first grade class at Washington Elementary School

**Starting July 8th and every other Saturday through the summer, visit Blooming Kids for the Tacoma Flea Market. Enjoy live music and local vendors just a block away from the Proctor Farmers Market. Check out other classes and in-store events HERE.

Calling all Fathers!!
Join Justin & Dad’s Group for an Urban Adventure with the kids at 9 am every third Saturday and Dad’s Night at 6 pm every first Tuesday.

Boys bow ties at Blooming Kids children store and Tacoma event space

 

Interview and images by Vanessa Simpson, Focus in Photography
www.focusinphotography.com
Instagram @Focus_in_photography
Facebook @focusinphoto