1976 Flowers is Blooming in Downtown Johnson City
When Stephanie Alexander opened 1976 Flowers at 211 W Walnut Street in November 2024, she brought more than just beautiful arrangements to downtown Johnson City, she brought three generations of floral expertise and a commitment to creating a space filled with beauty.
Two months after spotting the perfect downtown location, Stephanie has transformed the space into a bright, retro-styled studio that reflects her personality and her vision for customer experience. The shop opens its doors Wednesday through Saturday, while delivery services run seven days a week to accommodate Johnson City’s busy schedules.
“When people walk in, I want them to feel a lot of serotonin,” Stephanie explains. “I want them to say, ‘Oh my gosh, this place is so fun, I can’t wait to take a part of it home with me… in the form of flowers.'”
The approach is working. Since opening, 1976 Flowers has quickly established itself as an Instagram-worthy destination for arrangements and aesthetic shop photography. Stephanie has built a following that draws flower enthusiasts from across the region.
“When you choose us, you’re supporting local small business,” Stephanie notes. “You’re reaching out directly to me on the iPhone in my pocket, ready to fulfill all your floral desires.”
What really sets 1976 Flowers apart is Stephanie’s commitment to sourcing local product. The shop even grows some of its own flowers in her front yard, and handpicks the freshest blooms from 12 trusted small farms in the area.
The Build-Your-Own Bouquet Bar, is one of the shops most popular offerings. Customers can handpick stems, experiment with color combinations, and create something uniquely theirs. Friends catch up over blooms, strangers bond over flower choices, and everyone leaves with a custom arrangement and a smile.
It’s become a Friday ritual for people, they come in after work, decompress, create something beautiful, and connect with others.
This is another great example of the wisdom Chad Wolfe shared with us in an interview: “Make it fun and the dollars will follow”
Image Rights Reserved to 1976 Flowers
Her favorite flower, the dahlia, is fitting. “They’re prolific,” she says with a grin. “So many petals. So much color.”
Stephanie’s success is part of Johnson City’s vibrant small business community. She’s found remarkable support among fellow entrepreneurs, particularly in the downtown area.
“The flower community is amazing, and honestly, so is the small business community here,” she says. “There’s no gatekeeping. You can ask someone where they get their packaging or their supplies, and they’ll just tell you. People genuinely want to help each other succeed.”
Like any new business owner, Stephanie has navigated learning curves during her first months. She’s transparent about the challenges.
“I wish someone had told me to get everything in writing,” she admits. “Even with your closest friends, have contracts. Make sure payment terms are clear from the start.”
She also acknowledges the summer slump that affects many Johnson City businesses when ETSU’s 10,000+ students leave town. “You have to plan for those quieter months,” she explains. “It’s just part of doing business in a college town.”
But perhaps her most important piece of advice for fellow entrepreneurs? “You’re not going to make everyone happy, no matter what you do. Stay true to yourself and your vision.”
At FoundersForge, we’ve seen firsthand how important early support is for new business owners. That’s why we created Avante — a practical, six-week program designed to help local founders launch stronger, smarter, and with a supportive community behind them.
With every bouquet, 1976 Flowers strives to create memorable beauty. The shop has become a community hub where locally-grown blooms become the centerpiece of celebrations and moments of joy.
Follow them on social media (linked below) for updates on the Friday Build-Your-Own Bouquet Bar and to see Stephanie’s latest arrangements.
