Five Under 35 2019 kicks off with a woman who has deep Great Falls roots. From those roots, she’s grown a passion for her community into a blossoming business.
The aroma of freshly brewed coffee, and flowers welcome customers into Bloom and Bean, now located at 1012 9th Street South in Great Falls.
Rebecca Hannant’s business is something she’s dreamed of for years.
“When I was a kid I used to pretend I had a coffee shop and a flower shop,” said Hannant.
The 35-year-old planted the seeds to make that dream a reality years ago.
“I worked in the bars selling flowers and had my own little business doing that, and that’s how I paid for college. And since then I’ve been gradually building in the flower industry and it was finally time for me to open my own store front.”
The Great Falls native has deep roots in this part of Montana. In fact, Rebecca’s grandparents homesteaded here, and had the first grocery store in Great Falls.
“These are my stomping grounds, this is where I’m from, this is home,” Hannant explained.
The single mom of two says she has overcome many struggles. She wants to be a positive example for young women, not only by employing them, but by empowering them.
“Point them in the right direction in life, and teach them some life skills.”
Hannant feels the Great Falls community can improve by providing more opportunities to teach students those life skills.
“I’d like to see more work programs with the schools, hands on coffee class, flower designs class for students to have positive reinforcement,” said Hannant.
As an entrepreneur herself, Hannant is pleased with progress being made, and more businesses opening.
“I think there are a lot of good up and coming businesses, and are realizing we do have a young adult population here and we need to cater to them, give them a positive spot.”
Hannant also designs floral arrangements for weddings, and other events. She is involved with the Great Falls Symphony, Great Falls Chamber of Commerce, and more.
Click here to visit Bloom and Bean’s Facebook page.
-Reported by Shannon Newth/MTN News
