In 1968, Bernard Haggins inherited Colony Florist, located in Northwest Washington, D.C., where he had worked for years prior. Over the years, the local florist became far more than just a store to buy flowers. It became a meaningful part of the community.
Bernard Haggins ran Colony Florist for more than two decades before relocating the storefront to Upshur Street NW in 1993 and renaming the florist to Flowers by Alexes, in honor of his daughter, Alexes Haggins. Under its new name and location, the florist remained a cornerstone in the neighborhood.
After serving the community for decades, the florist closed its doors in 2004 following the passing of Bernard Haggins. Although Alexes Haggins made an effort to keep the florist open, she was initially unsuccessful.
In 2022, Alexes Haggins reopened the florist, continuing her father’s legacy and his commitment to the community.
“I was so emotionally connected to the florist that I didn’t want to see it close,” Haggins said, “I turned everything over in my name and was still not successful. I didn’t have family support and didn’t know of any financial resources to keep it open, so I ended up closing it. Almost two decades later, here I am again. I reopened the doors. That was something that I promised my dad before he passed away that I would try again to do and here we are. I’ve been here for four years and have been successful. I’m back in the community and I’m just happy to be here. The community has welcomed me back.”
Reopened on the same street where her father’s florist stood for decades, Flowers by Alexes offers a variety of floral arrangements for every occasion along with catering services for private events and celebrations. Its corporate partners include major companies such as Google, JPMorgan, Boeing, and Coca Cola amongst others. Additionally, the florist offers subscriptions for customers seeking regular, curated floral arrangements.
Beyond its services, Flowers by Alexes remains rooted in community. Haggins uses her business to give back to the community that has given so much to her. By hosting pop-up resource events for local entrepreneurs, organizing free community gatherings and featuring products from local small businesses in her storefront at no additional cost, she continues to honor her father by making a lasting impact.
“I do all these things so that I can continue to do what my father did and to continue with his legacy, which is to pour back into the community and to help others,” Haggins said. “I’m most proud because I love the community that I’m in. I grew up here and I’m invested. I love the fact that I embrace them, and they embrace me.”
Flowers by Alexes is far more than a florist, it’s an experience. Haggins is intentional about ensuring that everybody who walks through the florist doors leaves with something memorable.
DC Power Football Club midfielders Alexis Theoret, Dasia Torbert, Emily Colton, Anna Bagley and team captain and defender Susanna Fitch stopped by Flowers by Alexes to build floral arrangements. The visit allowed players the opportunity to learn more about the florist and its connection to the local community. The players left with much more than just a tangible bouquet but also a deeper appreciation for the craft and space that Haggins has created.
“Anybody who walks through my doors will have an experience that they’ll remember,” Haggins said. “Whether it’s the flowers they get, the customer service or the way that we make them feel when they come through our doors. It’s an experience. That’s what I want to give people.”
Customers can shop Flowers by Alexes in person at its storefront located at 851 Upshur Street, Washington D.C. 20011. Orders can also be placed online at FlowersbyAlexes.com or over the phone ((202) 910-7490).
Flowers by Alexes can be found at @youruptownflorist on Instagram.
