Business Profile Murray Street Flowers

For over three years, Niwot residents Tyra Sutak and Alan Stratton have nurtured a booming (and blooming) local business. The couple has lived in Niwot for over eight years and, in 2021, decided to start Murray Street Flowers, a local flower pop-up shop located outside their home across from Niwot Children's Park.

Sutak is a native Coloradan, grew up in Lyons, and is a CU alumna. "My day job is as a manager at the Koenig Alumni Center at the University of Colorado," she said. "Alan works as a mechanic. But here, owning a business on the side has been a great way to connect with this small, local Niwot community."

Sutak believes that Murray Street Flowers has been an important outlet for her creative side and passion about flowers. "We grow everything here," she said proudly. "We grow big flowers, the filler, and the greenery for our bouquets. The jars we get from Niwot Market. We're community focused and community driven."

Since opening Murray Street Flowers, the business has expanded exponentially for the couple. During their opening season, they sold flowers grown in their backyard out of a dresser in their driveway. Soon, with the help of some handiwork from Chris and Callan Teta, they began selling out of a larger, custom-built cart that sits outside their house.

"Last year, we started growing on different properties as well." Sutak said. "We grow about 400 sunflowers here, along with 180 dahlias. Last year we grew 750 tulips with other properties. This year it's been over 2000." With this expansion, she said Murray Street Flowers has tripled its output.

With her shop open on weekends after 9 a.m., Sutak often chats with neighbors and regular customers. "People come across from the park and find out about our business," she said. "There are people who come every single Saturday who I've gotten to know well."

This year, Murray Street Flowers began selling services for special events, custom orders, and centerpieces for customers. For Father's Day, the pair will be hosting a pop-up shop at the Niwot Wheel House bike shop and bar on Second Avenue. "We're looking at doing flower and cocktail pairings with them on First Fridays starting June 6 as well." she said.

Above all, she believes her family business is a powerful way to bring people together, and reflects a love for friendship and connection within a small town. "Every weekend, I get to meet someone new, do something special for someone," she said. "I started this business with my family and now it has brought us closer into the Niwot extended family. I hope we can continue building this passion and enthusiasm for our work going forward."