MARION — Cassie Hammarmeister’s new business is rooted in her pursuit of wellness.
On Aug. 1, Hammarmeister opened Roots in Bloom, a florist and wellness business in a historic Marion home.
“It’s all very personal,” Hammarmeister said of the path that led her to the new business. “It’s scary to put it out there, but maybe it will help set someone else free.”
After Hammarmeister completed a floriculture program at Kirkwood Community College, she worked at a couple smaller flower shops before taking a manager position at a large florist in the Corridor.
“I was running a business and dealing with personal stuff in my 20s,” she said. “I didn’t appreciate working with nature.”
It was those personal issues, including chronic back pain and struggles with anxiety and depression, that drew her to a new career as a wellness practitioner. In 2011, she attended Carlson College to become a licensed massage therapist.
“I learned about healing touch and how the body reacts to different stressors — both physical and emotional,” she recalled. “It opened my eyes to things in my own life, and I thought this is something I can help other people with.”
In 2014, she completed training to teach yoga and added yoga to her massage therapy practice, using it as a tool to help clients dealing with eating disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder, mobility issues and various trauma.
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Also in 2014, Hammarmeister moved her wellness practice, Roots Massage and Yoga, from North Liberty to Marion, to the second floor of the McGowan home. The first floor was occupied by Ali’s Weeds, a florist shop.
About three months ago, the owner of Ali’s Weeds approached Hammarmeister about buying the florist business. Hammarmeister jumped at the opportunity.
“Nature nurtures” she said. “Flowers, massage and yoga are all connected. They all provide a feeling of grounding, comfort and home.”
Hammarmeister purchased the florist business, combining it with her wellness practice and changing the name of both to Roots in Bloom.
Roots in Bloom offers fresh, custom arrangements and plants, with a focus on local and national growers. Wellness services including therapeutic massage, small group and private yoga classes and meditation.
The business also carries wellness products such as soaps, oils and lotions. Hammarmeister is adding a tea room in the house’s old canning kitchen and plans to carry CBD oil within the next few months.
Hammarmeister is using every available space in the two-story, gabled brick dwelling for her business, with the retail shop, a yoga room and tea room on the first floor and massage rooms upstairs.
In the spring, she will add a cutting garden in the spacious yard and hold art therapy, movement therapy and other workshops in the detached garage.
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“This is what I’ve wanted all my life for myself,” she said. “I never felt like I had roots. This house makes me feel like I do.”
l Know a business that’s been in operation for less than a year that could be an interesting “Ground Floor”? Contact michaelchevy.castranova@thegazette.com.
At a Glance
l Owner: Cassie Hammarmeister
l Business: Roots in Bloom
l Address: 524 10th St., Marion
l Phone: (319) 377-9312
l Email: rootsinbloom.marion@gmail.com
l Website: www.rootsinbloom.org