Founded in 2018, Bloomist was created from a vision to integrate nature into everyday living spaces. The brand’s mantra, “make nature home,” reflects its commitment to sustainability and ethical business practices. Every product, from upcycled flowers to artisan-crafted goods, embodies this ethos. This approach ensures fair compensation for and fosters connections with over 90 artisans worldwide. The brand is a self-described nature-obsessed company that creates and curates goods and green-cessories that make a beautiful, natural home.

Michael Zung, Co-Founder and CEO, takes us through the early ideation days through to growing a sustainable brand that focuses on artisan partners, small batch makers, and sustainable suppliers who strive to make a difference.

Bloomist’s early launch and the focus around storytelling 

The end of 2018 marked the launch of Bloomist, shortly before the global upheaval caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. As physical stores shuttered in 2020, Bloomist thrived by enhancing home environments through e-commerce sales. The brand leveraged storytelling around its products, which resonated well with customers setting up "shelfies" to express their personalities from home offices.

Initially, Bloomist's growth was fuelled through Shopify, utilizing a direct-to-consumer model supported by digital marketing strategies including influencer partnerships. High-profile customers like Kourtney Kardashian’s Poosh, Bobby Burke, Emily Henderson, and Joanna Gaines turned into brand evangelists, amplifying Bloomist’s market presence.

Clearco directly funds international artisans for Bloomist’s inventory and new product lines

A transformative collaboration with Clearco enabled Bloomist to innovate further in its product line. Clearco facilitated the introduction of brass frogs crafted by Indian artisans, exemplifying direct support for craftsmanship without upfront payment, a risk willingly taken by the artisans who believed in the mutual benefit of their partnership with Bloomist.

Turning towards profitability: Navigating financial challenges and hitting growth

As the pandemic waned, Bloomist faced new financial challenges, including buying out partners and pivoting towards profitability. With support from Clearco and other non-traditional funding sources like Shopify Capital, Bloomist managed overstock, adjusted to new market conditions, and prepared for future purchasing cycles.

Since gaining full control in 2022, Bloomist’s  Co-founder and CEO, Michael Zung has steered the company toward profitability and pursued new business avenues. The expansion into the wholesale market through platforms like Faire has significantly boosted their reach, making unique products like brass frogs and vases favorites among upscale floral shops and event planners across North America.

Re-engaging with the Clearco team at The Lead Summit

For ecommerce brands, The Lead Summit offers the chance to discover new strategies, connections, or ideas from experts in the marketing, advertising, finance, and technology fields. A mix of fun events, one-on-one networking opportunities, and plenty of insightful takes on ecommerce and the retail world, The Lead Summit is your chance to hop into some of the most exciting trends in brand-to-consumer sales.

Some of Clearco’s incredible sales team including Qing Hou, Doğa Dindoruk, and Malek Alsukhon attended The Lead Summit in July 2024. At the event, they reconnected with Bloomist’s Mike Zung to continue his funding journey.

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“Clearco’s non-dilutive funding was exactly what we needed—no liens, no collateral, no personal guarantees. Just the support we needed, exactly when we needed it,” says Mike. “Their speed and understanding made all the difference.”

Investing in sustainable growth: Bloomist continues to build out new product lines

Bloomist’s commitment to sustainability remains strong as they explore new retail strategies and potential markets, ensuring their products resonate with contemporary consumer expectations and environmental standards. They maintain a dynamic partnership with a greenhouse in St. Louis and diversify their offerings with robust plants like Japanese Kokedama and Bonsai.

Bloomist also continues to build a sustainable brand by adding new products. Brands often add new product lines, which means adding new SKUs to their operations. A SKU, or Stock Keeping Unit, is a unique identifier for each of your products that makes it easier to track inventory. Product lines are made up of SKUs. Brands need to purchase and maintain inventory so they do not run out of SKUs of certain products, sizes, colours, or other offerings customers expect or want of their product lines.

Bloomist’s favorite things about Clearco Funding:

• Fast Funding: Clearco provided the necessary funds within 48 hours, allowing Bloomist to pay their artisans and keep production on track.
• Non-Dilutive Funding: Bloomist avoided giving up equity or taking on traditional debt, maintaining control of their business.
• Continued Growth: The funding enabled Bloomist to meet customer demand without disrupting cash flow, ensuring continued growth and success

Bloomist's journey with Clearco exemplifies a successful synergy between financial strategy and ethical business practice, demonstrating how targeted financial support can empower sustainable growth and artisanal excellence. As they look to the future, Bloomist remains a testament to the power of vision, adaptability, and ethical commitment in the challenging world of e-commerce.

“I highly recommend Clearco to any ecommerce business facing similar challenges,” adds Mike. “Their approach to funding is a game-changer.”