Today we’d like to introduce you to Sarah Lucas.
Sarah, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
For the past 23 years, my world has revolved around my three incredible kids. As a mom of three talented swimmers, I found my identity in being their biggest cheerleader—always at the pool, on the sidelines, and in the stands. My oldest, Anna (23), is now a registered nurse living in Missouri. Alex (19) just wrapped up his freshman year at NDSU, also pursuing nursing. And Ally (17), my youngest, is heading into her senior year of high school—though like many teens, she’s growing more independent and less likely to spend weekends hanging with Mom.
With my children growing up and carving their own paths, I suddenly found myself with something I hadn’t had in decades: free time. My husband, who loves to golf, was often on the course, and I was left wondering what to do with this newfound space in my life.
As a Patient Care Nurse Manager at Allina Health, I was looking for something outside of work that could be *just for me*—something cathartic, creative, and joy-filled. I began attending local u-pick flower events and absolutely fell in love. I started arranging flowers and sharing them with friends, family, and neighbors. One of my favorite stories is about an elderly neighbor who agreed to a deal: I’d give him weekly arrangements as long as he told his wife *he* picked them out. When we started this little tradition, he had tears in his eyes telling me he hadn’t given her flowers in over 20 years. It was a beautiful moment—and that’s when I realized: flowers bring joy, not just to me, but to everyone who receives them.
People began suggesting I start a business, and I laughed—me, a nurse, start a business? I had no idea where to begin. But last holiday season, an unexpected opportunity popped up. A vendor backed out of the Sauk Rapids Mix and Mingle Holiday event just 36 hours before it began. I jumped in, made porch pots and fresh holiday arrangements, and to my surprise—I sold out before the event ended!
A few days later, while driving to work (an hour-long commute), I was listening to a flower business podcast. It encouraged listeners to step outside their comfort zones, to be vulnerable, and to grow by doing things that scare you a little. I took that message to heart. On that same drive, I passed Bob’s Fresh Produce. I pulled into the parking lot, gave myself a pep talk, and walked in to ask if they’d be interested in carrying my holiday arrangements. I was fully expecting a “no”… but to my shock, they said **yes**! I think I stood there in silence, mouth open, unable to speak.
In January 2025, I took a huge leap of faith and officially established **The Best Day Blooms LLC**. Starting a business as a nurse was humbling. I’m trained to save lives—but building a website? Understanding taxes? That was all brand new territory. Thankfully, the support I received from friends and family was surreal. I’m so incredibly grateful for the people who showed up to help me navigate these unknowns.
One of my biggest blessings in this journey has been my son, Alex. Within 24 hours of asking, he had a website up and running. He’s been an essential part of my startup success and has shown so much patience as I’ve learned a completely new skill set. Watching him step up to support my dream has been one of the most rewarding parts of this journey.
Also, I wanted to create a space in my backyard that gave me a sense of mindfulness and peace. I had never gardened a day in my life, but I thought—*why not?* Let’s grow my own flowers! My dad has been a huge supporter and jumped right in, building me three raised garden beds. I was involved in the building process… until I accidentally drilled a nail into his thumb. After that, he kindly suggested I stick to selling flowers. Fair enough!
Since then, I’ve transformed our backyard—from what once looked like a perfectly manicured golf course into a full-on cutting garden. My husband cringes every time I remove more sod, but I remind him: he has golf, and this is *my* hobby.
As my little garden grew, I realized I needed a place to sell all the flowers I planned to harvest—so the idea of a flower cart was born. My dad wasn’t able to build it, and my husband, well, let’s just say he’s talented in *other* areas (just not tools and saws). Thankfully, one of his friends, Andy Simon, is incredibly handy. I sent him a few inspiration photos, and he brought my vision to life. The flower cart turned out better than I ever imagined!
The flower cart makes me happy—not just because it’s cute or functional, but because it brings happiness to others. That’s what lights me up. I love flowers, and I truly believe in the mental health benefits of having fresh flowers in your home. But most importantly, I want *everyone* to be able to enjoy them.
That’s why I sell my mason jar arrangements for just \$20. Could I charge more? Sure. But flowers aren’t a necessity—they’re a luxury, a treat. I want them to be accessible, something people can buy to brighten their own day or someone else’s without breaking the bank. It’s also important to me that the flowers in my cart aren’t the same ones you find at the grocery store. I love introducing customers to new blooms—especially varieties with long vase life. My favorite compliment? *“These flowers lasted forever!”*
Currently, **The Best Day Blooms** has been shining bright. The flower stand is open on Saturdays and Sundays—and most weekends, it sells out within just a few hours. In addition to the stand, Iattend the Sauk Rapids Farmers Market on Thursday. Also, I’ve been busy creating arrangements for high school senior nights, parent night events, graduations, birthdays, and continuing my partnership with Bob’s Produce. Looking ahead to fall, I’ll be designing for weddings and working with **North Dakota State University** for their homecoming celebration.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Has it been a smooth road?
Not exactly—but I don’t think any meaningful journey ever is. My biggest obstacle has been time. I work full time as a Nurse Manager and have an hour-long commute each way, so balancing my job with building The Best Day Blooms has definitely been a challenge. There are moments when I have to turn down customers or scale back on what I want to do because I simply don’t have the time—and while that’s tough, I’ve been lucky to have incredibly understanding and supportive customers.
And remember how I said I was going to grow my own flowers? Well… only 10 of my 800 tulips bloomed this spring. YIKES. Definitely not the start I was hoping for! But I’ve learned to laugh, adapt, and take it all in stride. Someone once told me, “Everyone fails—so fail fast and figure out what to do better.” That’s become a bit of a motto for me. I’m learning as I go, and every misstep teaches me something valuable.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
Flowers speak every language without saying a word. They’re there for life’s biggest moments—your joyful times, your most vulnerable times, and they show up for you on your hardest days. That’s what I love most about them—they don’t need words to say *“I love you,” “I see you,”* or *“I’m thinking of you.”*
At **The Best Day Blooms**, I create garden-style flower arrangements that are personal, intentional, and made to spread happiness. I specialize in mason jar bouquets using blooms that you typically won’t find at a grocery store—flowers with personality, long vase life, and a touch of something unexpected. My work shows up everywhere from weekend pop-ups to graduations, weddings, birthdays, senior nights, and meaningful partnerships like the one I have with Bob’s Produce.
What I’m known for—and what I’m most proud of—is the emotional connection my flowers create. At my very first pop-up event on Valentine’s Day, I sold arrangements tucked inside colorful purses. A woman approached me with tears in her eyes. She told me her mother had passed away just a few days before and that her mom *loved* pink purses. She hugged me and said this was a sign that her mom was safe—and that she was going to be okay. I still get goosebumps thinking about it.
Another time, I crocheted little dog holders for my arrangements (yes, I crochet too!), and a woman came up crying. Her beloved doodle had passed away just the day before. She told me the flowers and the dog holder felt like a comforting message—that her sweet pup was in a better place. These moments remind me that flowers can speak to the heart in ways nothing else can.
To me, flowers are about more than just beauty. They’re about **kindness**. After going through a difficult personal experience, I created something called the **Kindness Special**. Customers can buy a regular mason jar arrangement for \$20 and add a second for just \$5 to give away—to a friend, a neighbor, a co-worker, a stranger, or even to themselves. It’s been one of the most meaningful parts of this journey—seeing people light up knowing they’re not only receiving joy, but also *sharing* it.
What sets **The Best Day Blooms** apart is the experience. No two arrangements are the same. Every week at the flower stand is a surprise—what colors will be there, what blooms will show up? I love creating florals that reflect *your* version of beautiful, because everyone connects with something different. Some love bold sunflowers, others love soft pastels or something wild and whimsical—and I love meeting people right where they are with flowers that feel just right for them.
At the heart of it all, I’m most proud of being a small part of people’s stories. Whether it’s a celebration, a hard goodbye, or just a random Tuesday, if I can bring a little joy into someone’s life through flowers, then I know I’m doing exactly what I’m meant to do.
Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
Most people know me as the flower lady with a passion for joy, kindness, and creativity—but what they might not know is that I’m extremely competitive. I’ve always had a fire in me to work hard and prove people wrong in the best way possible.
In high school, my swim coach once told me I wasn’t a good swimmer and suggested I quit the team to try volleyball instead. I told him if he kept me on the team, I’d give it everything I had and be the best teammate possible. I didn’t quit—and it turns out, I was actually a fairly decent swimmer! I became a High School State Champion and All American, and went on to swim in college, where I became a Conference Champion and 16-time College All American.
All three of my kids followed in those footsteps and became successful swimmers as well. Beyond the pool, I stayed involved in the sport by serving on the Board of Directors for Minnesota Swimming, helping shape the sport that gave so much to me and my family.
So yes—I may be covered in petals these days, but behind the flowers is a woman who doesn’t back down, works hard, and brings that same grit and heart to everything I do.
Pricing:
- Mason Jar Flower Arrangements at the flower stand– $20 Fresh, seasonal, garden-style blooms in a charming mason jar. Each one is unique!
- Kindness Special – Add a second mason jar arrangement for just $5 Perfect to gift to a friend, neighbor, coworker—or keep if you need a little extra joy.
- Custom Arrangements – Starting at $ 45+ For birthdays, graduations, sympathy, or special occasions. Pricing based on size and flower selection
- vent Flowers (Senior Nights, Parent Nights, etc.) – Custom pricing Designed in school colors or theme-specific. Contact me directly f
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.thebestdayblooms.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebestdayblooms/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61572221266381
