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Community Highlights: Meet Carolina Bruni of Midwest Plant Studio DBA Westdale Floral

Today we’d like to introduce you to Carolina Bruni.

Hi Carolina, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
My name is Caro Bruni. I’m originally from Buenos Aires, Argentina, where I earned my architecture degree from the University of Buenos Aires. My life has taken me through Argentina, Barcelona, and eventually to the United States, always with design, creativity, and nature at the center of everything I do.
Years ago, an opportunity appeared when a 35-year-old interior landscaping business in Minneapolis needed a new owner. That business became Midwest Plant Studio, and I have run it with dedication and passion ever since, serving clients across the Twin Cities.
My journey expanded again when I fell in love with Westdale Floral — a beloved Minnetonka shop that has been part of the community since 1967. Instead of choosing between interior landscaping and floral design, I decided to merge both worlds. Today, I operate Westdale Floral and Midwest Plant Studio together, allowing both businesses to complement and strengthen each other.
It’s been an exciting evolution that combines my architectural training, my love for plants and flowers, and my passion for creating meaningful spaces.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Every business journey has its challenges, but I feel fortunate that both companies have been welcomed and supported by the community.
The biggest challenge was merging two established businesses with different rhythms — a retail floral shop and a commercial interior landscaping operation. Finding the right structure, maintaining personal service, and balancing my time required patience and careful planning.
I took over Midwest Plant Studio during COVID, which could have been a major obstacle, but the pause gave me time to understand the business deeply. With Westdale Floral, the challenge has been growth — expanding offerings, hosting events, and keeping up with a fast-moving retail environment.
Even with these challenges, I’ve always felt surrounded by supportive clients, employees, and community members. That support has made the road feel much smoother.
One thing that has made everything possible is my incredible team. I work with 11 dedicated and talented people, and each of them plays a key role in keeping the business running at a high level. Their commitment, creativity, and care for our clients are a huge part of our success.
Even with these challenges, I’ve always felt surrounded by supportive clients, employees, and community members. That support has made the road feel much smoother.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Westdale Floral
• full-service floral design
• curated home décor
• seasonal and holiday collections
• Christmas ornaments and custom decorating
• workshops (like our Winter Patio Pot Class)
• community events
Midwest Plant Studio
• interior landscaping for residential and commercial spaces
• weekly plant maintenance
• design and installation of live and artificial plants
• 40 years of trusted relationships and consistent service
What sets us apart is the combination of design expertise and personal connection. With my architectural background, I approach every project with intention — looking at light, texture, movement, and atmosphere. I consider how plants or flowers will transform a space holistically.
I’m also proud that both businesses remain deeply community-oriented. Clients know us by name. Families return year after year. Trust and relationships matter to us.
Brand-wise, I’m most proud of creating a place where people feel inspired and welcome — whether they’re shopping for flowers, attending a workshop, or upgrading their office with greenery.

What sort of changes are you expecting over the next 5-10 years?
I see several major shifts ahead:
1. Nature-integrated spaces will continue to grow.
More businesses and homeowners are prioritizing wellness, air quality, and aesthetics. Interior landscaping will remain strong as people understand how plants influence mood and productivity.
2. Seasonal and experiential retail will increase.
Customers want more than a transaction. They want workshops, personalized design services, and curated shopping experiences. Floral shops that build community will stand out.
3. Sustainability will dominate the conversation.
Eco-friendly products, locally sourced materials, and long-lasting floral alternatives will become increasingly important.
4. Blended services will rise.
The combination of floral design, interior plants, décor, and workshops — exactly the model of Westdale Floral + Midwest Plant Studio — will become more common as customers look for cohesive, full-service solutions.
Personally, I’m excited for the future. I’ve run three marathons already and plan to run my fourth next year, but that same drive carries into my business. I’m always looking forward — growing, improving, and connecting deeper with the community.

Pricing:

  • Flower Arrangements start at $69.99
  • Local Delivery starts at $15.99

Contact Info:

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