Monique Thomas gifts love with Stem & Story Studio

Turning her love of gifting flowers into a business felt like the most natural next step for Monique Thomas, who has always found joy in expressing love through small, thoughtful gestures. Her venture, Stem & Story Studio, bloomed just in time for Valentine’s Day and made a lasting impression on Mother’s Day with a hands-on workshop where guests created their own bouquets and charm bracelets, turning the act of giving into something playful and personal.

“Stem & Story came about from me realising that I love gifting people flowers; like throughout my whole life I’ve always been the person who buys someone flowers, whether they’re happy, whether they’re sad, whether there’s a milestone – big or small –or just gifting flowers just because,” Thomas told Saturday Living.

She continued, “And, the other day I kind of realised that there’s a gap in the market in Jamaica when it comes to sending a bouquet that is a bit more personalised. And, that is where Stem & Story Studio comes in.”

What makes the gesture unique is the option for customers to personalise bouquets with custom messages – like special dates, quotes, or names – printed on newspaper-style wrapping.

Some of the flowers Thomas uses in her mixed arrangements include carnations, snapdragons, peonies, and one of her personal favourites, anthuriums.

When she first launched the gifting studio in February for Valentine’s Day ,she recalled the experience being a “beautiful surprise”.

“Valentine’s Day was a huge success, and what I love most about the bouquets that I [offer] are the mini versions, which are very accessible and affordable. Flowers in Jamaica are on the more expensive side because a lot of them are imported. So, to be able to give someone something thoughtful for such an affordable cost, means a lot,” she explained.

Since then she has taken pre-orders through direct messages on Instagram and WhatsApp, and most recently via website at stemandstorystudio.com. She also partners with local businesses that align with the idea of treating oneself to offer pop-up experiences.

“I want when people interact with us and support us that they feel gratitude and love. I get quite a few customers who get gifts for their partners, celebrating birthdays, anniversaries and so on. But, what stands out are the people who get stuff for themselves and they’re like I receive this one week and now I have to get it every time we do a pop up because it reminds them that they get to love themselves and [do] not [have to] wait on others to show them that love,” she said, adding that she wants people to feel empowered and seen.

And on Mother’s Day, Thomas did just that, hosting a ‘Charms and Bloom’ workshop at Raggamuffin Cafe where she shared basic bouquet-making tips and guided attendees in creating their own mini arrangements, “We then made matching charm bracelets and everyone worked together to help find different charms that aligned with them and their loved ones,” she added.

Thomas believes flowers are one of the most beautiful gifts you can give someone as they’re momentary, which makes them even more special. They bring you into the present, and for the person receiving them, just smelling the flowers or seeing the bouquet can instantly lift their mood.

Speaking on what’s next for Stem & Story Studio, Thomas said she plans to expand her arrangements and introduce other gifting items, such as special wish cards and clay-related pieces.

For those who aren’t exactly green thumbs but love getting fresh flowers, Thomas has some easy tips to help your bouquet stay fresh a little longer.

“If your flowers are wilted, you can drench them in warm water and put them in a vase of warm water, and it should perk the flowers back up. Also, flower food is a really good option to keep the flowers alive; and lastly, if you don’t think you’d be able to care for your flowers [because] you’re going away for a little bit – like perhaps a couple of days – put your flowers in the fridge,” she explained, adding that when customers receive her bouquets, they also receive a small bag of water that has flower food.

rollesha.laing@gleanerjm.com