I love telling you stories about my family & our shop back home. Because of your support, laughs & love... our family's story can now call Pittsburgh home too
After 2 years of determination, 4th-generation florist Juliarose Genuardi is opening "412Flowers" as a store-front in Southside Works! 412Flowers will be just through the doors of Co-Hatch, and is excited to share her story & why she is crowdfunding for her grand opening.
The why: I started 412Flowers in 2024 because I had suffered a traumatic brain injury after 5 concussions. Sure I was suffering from memory loss, hypersomnia and physical debilitation.. but I was tired of being physically & mentally "stuck". I needed something I could do "like the back of my hand"... which ended up being flowers.
The how: I made business plans and applied for small business loans but decided to just wing it- I literally had $400 & nothing to lose. My 1st event (Made in PGH) I didn't even have a 412Flowers sign. My memory was weak, but I do know I left feeling the event with a purpose, which I had felt I lost.
Since then I've built 412Flowers like my dad and grandpop built their flower shop / greenhouses... by being true to my roots.
You've shown up, Pittsburgh, and have given me the blessing of watching 412Flowers bloom while sticking to my family roots (I had to put one pun in here). I love being your neighbor because you embrace me for me. Specifically the person who reaffirmed my purpose, my family's story & why I should open a store a few weeks ago, "I got your flowers before & I'm so excited to see you again!" I got chills and teared up. It's unreal that my work means so much to you. I know my grandpop would be so proud of me but also my dad. And it wouldn't be possible without the love of the 412.
I am crowdfunding to help fund the 1st- 3-months of my lease and moving in. I'll use the funds around the neighborhood as much as I can, at the Southside Goodwill, FB Marketplace and local creators. Any bit of your support helps, through GoFundMe or through a used table or sign.. it is all incredibly greatly appreciated.
Everything happens for a reason and I am so thankful pittsburgh has given me a reason with 412Flowers (:
With love, JR Genuardi