.05

About meryl Lee

In the summer of 2016, my husband and I moved from Beacon Hill to the South Shore. I loved everything about my new life in Scituate. The beaches, the hiking trails, and yes…. the additional space was kinda nice ;) I was feeling so at home, that my profession no longer fit just right with this new life I had created. I was commuting every day from the place I have found my heart really lives, to go into the city and spend most of my time there (ironic, as my husband reminds me that he had to pull me kicking and screaming out of the city in the first place). It got me to thinking that maybe it was time to change course. Isn’t it funny how a big life change in one area of your life can have such a domino effect?!

My professional experience has ranged from the startup/tech space to fundraising for a Boston nonprofit, but the entrepreneurial spirit is just in my blood. My grandparents own jewelry businesses in CT where I grew up, so I was inducted into the family business young. Admittedly my favorite part was going to the neighboring bakery for treats though ;) Hey, I earned it!!! I knew what running a business meant, and I was intimidated. But I just couldn’t ignore this strong “niggling” sort of feeling that it was time to take a risk, and a leap of faith.

I knew what I was missing most in my professional life was the opportunity to be creative. I was always the person to offer to plan all my companies events. I had this strong desire to bring people together, and to make sure the vibe was just right. In my own apartment in Beacon Hill, I was throwing annual “Autumnal parties” where I could let my creative side go wild. I was obsessed with making floral arrangements. There’s a floral shop in Beacon Hill (Rouvalis- it’s still there and you MUST go) that I use to walk into and I literally could not leave without a handful of things. It was inspiring just to be in there. I would select blooms by the stem, and I was hard pressed not to buy some vases. Then I would get to my apartment and just play. I loved the process of floral arranging, not to mention getting to see my work on display on my mantle. I love how flowers have the ability to instantly change your mood and give you a feeling of connection to nature and the beauty that's all around us. And I still love planning and hosting events, and being of service to others. So with this idea and passion guiding the way, in 2018 I launched Merrily Blooms to gather friends and flowers. What started as this idea and desire to bring women together for a fun night out learning to arrange flowers, bloomed into a full service floral design studio.

My downtime is spent in Scituate with my husband Jeb and our rescue pitbull mixes, Reese and Niles (both from the Northeast Animal Shelter in Salem). Beyond my passion for all things floral, you’ll catch me around Scituate walking my dogs, sunning on Minot beach, I’m Peloton obsessed, I'm a huge animal lover, advocate and vegan (check me out on Instagram @Merrily_vegan), I’m a wine lover, and I love spending downtime reading in my She Shed. I care deeply about community, giving back, and women supporting other women (yeah, I'm a Simmons University alumni!!! #gosharks).

I hope I get to meet you and shower you with blooms!

xoxo

Meryl Lee Pinette

Founder of Merrily Blooms