When Toni Reale set out in 2012 to turn a 1971 British ice-cream truck into a mobile flower shop, she could never have imagined how far her dream would take her. What began as a quirky venture has since blossomed into Roadside Blooms, a thriving florist that’s as much about community and sustainability as beautiful flowers.

Reale started doing farmers’ markets and eventually had the opportunity to open a retail store in North Charleston’s Park Circle. With a background in geology (she holds an undergraduate degree from the College of Charleston and a master’s from the University of Massachusetts), opening a floral business was a logical move. Reale’s passion for sustainability has always been central to her career, even in floristry. Her commitment to locally sourced flowers, particularly in an industry often dominated by imports, was a natural next step.

“I didn’t want to be part of an industry that relies heavily on flowers imported from countries with poor labor practices,” Reale says. “Most flowers come from places that don’t have labor laws. Over 80% of the flowers used for weddings and funerals in the U.S. are imported, and I wanted to do something different.”

Today, Roadside Blooms has grown from that iconic ice-cream truck to a 2,000-square-foot retail shop in North Charleston that serves as a haven for flowers, crystals, plants and a carefully curated selection of gifts. But while the business has expanded, Reale’s approach to floral design remains refreshingly grounded in sustainability and a farm-to-table ethos.

One of the cornerstones of Roadside Blooms is its approach to traditional flower delivery. “For our flower deliveries, you choose between small, medium and large bouquets, and we make something beautiful from what’s local and in season,” Reale says. “We use what’s fresh and sustainable. I honestly can’t remember the last time we had a red rose in the shop.”

Reale’s philosophy of using only locally grown, seasonal flowers is a nod to sustainability and a departure from the mass-market floral industry. Roadside Blooms celebrates the rich variety of blooms grown in America and right in our backyard. This commitment to sustainability has struck a chord with the community, earning Roadside Blooms the title of Best Florist on Charleston City Paper’s “Best Of” list.

“It just shows people like something a little nontraditional, and they pay attention to sustainability,” Reale says. And it’s not just customers who have taken notice. Roadside Blooms has become a staple in Charleston’s wedding scene, offering a fresh, sustainable approach to wedding florals that meets couples where they are—whether that’s an intimate elopement or a grand celebration.

But flowers aren’t just about celebrations. For Reale, the real beauty of the business is the way it connects to the broader community. After an event, any leftover flowers are repurposed in meaningful ways. In partnership with the nonprofit AMOR Healing Kitchen, Roadside Blooms donates its flowers to be turned into bouquets that are delivered along with free plant-based meals to people facing health challenges.

“Being able to give flowers another life after a wedding or event is important to us,” Reale says. “We get a lot of thank-you notes from people who have received our flowers from AMOR.” In addition to supporting nonprofit causes, Roadside Blooms is committed to reducing waste. The business partners with Smart Recycling to ensure that leftover flowers are composted and kept out of landfills.

The shop also offers a variety of plants and wellness-focused items, such as crystals and plant care accessories. One of its most popular programs is the Plantmate Club, a four-month, hands-on “Plants 101” course. Each month, members receive a new plant along with its natural history, care tips and guidance on how to propagate it.

“People always ask, ‘What plants can’t I kill?’” Reale says. “We created the Plantmate Club to build confidence for new plant owners so they’re more comfortable choosing and caring for their plants.”

The club is just one of many ways Roadside Blooms engages with its community. From sponsoring local kids’ sports teams to donating flowers to various nonprofits, Reale has always seen the business as more than a way to make money. It’s a way to give back, build relationships and create a space where everyone feels welcome.

“I’m not in business just to make money. There has to be more to it,” she says. “A measure of success for me is how engaged I am in my community. We’re all in and do what we can to help.”

As a proud member of Lowcountry Local First, Reale is passionate about supporting local businesses and encouraging her community to do the same. “Right now, I’m challenging people to be more mindful of where their money goes,” she says. “Local businesses like ours that support the community; it’s more important than ever that we build community and help each other.”

Robin Howard is a freelance writer in Charleston. See more of her work at robinhowardwrites.com.