Home Fashion + Beauty Flower Shop Mela Fleurs Closes Hoboken Storefront, Convert to Online

Flower Shop Mela Fleurs Closes Hoboken Storefront, Convert to Online

by Alexis Spoden
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It’s no secret that the pandemic shook up many small, local businesses. On the other hand, it has also given many the courage and push to start businesses they may never have thought possible. For local Melissa Diaz, this was the case when she decided to open her own dried floral business in Hoboken, La Tiendita de Mela Fleurs. In just a few months, Mel went from being a corporate girl at Vox Media in NYC to opening up her own small business, something she never thought she would be able to do. Now, after a few years in business, Mel has decided to close the Hoboken storefront, but Mela Fleurs is not going away for good. Read on to learn how Mel of Mela Fleurs turned her side passion into her full-time hustle during the pandemic, with a little encouragement from a few fellow female business owners, as well as what we will miss about this spot.

flower shop hoboken mela fleurs

(Photo credit: @mela_fleurs)

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The Closing of the Storefront

 

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A post shared by Mela Fleurs (@mela_fleurs)

On March 14th, 2023, Mela Fleurs announced on Instagram that the Hoboken storefront would be closing. This will not be the end of Mel’s dried flower business though, as she will be looking for another location to set up shop outside of the Mile Square. Mela Fleurs will still be operating online and through Instagram for now — and you can also still order both ways.

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How La Tienda de Mela Fleurs Was Born

flower shop hoboken mela fleurs

(Photo credit: @mela_fleurs)

Melissa Diaz worked in media for her entire career, most recently at Vox Media, until 2020, when everything changed. In February, Mel’s grandma got sick, so she chose to take family leave from her job to care for her. Then in March, the pandemic arrived, and Mel decided not to go back to work, given her current circumstances. “It was a good pause moment,” she explains, so she left her media position for good.

Read More: A Guide to Flower Shops in Hoboken + Jersey City

“I honestly needed something to distract me,” Mel explains, and making floral arrangements was always something that Mel loved to do. “Once a week, I would take the 1 train from Hoboken to work so I could go to the flower district and do flower arrangements for my desk area. My coworkers would always visit my desk to see my latest decor. It was always my side thing. I always loved doing flowers,” Mel reminisces.

flower shop hoboken mela fleurs

(Photo credit: @mela_fleurs)

“A couple of years back, my good friend at work was getting married at city hall, and I thought ‘omg she probably doesn’t even have a bouquet,’ so I decided to surprise her with one!” Mel continues. “I was always the one volunteering to take care of the flowers for events or baby showers.” However, it wasn’t until the pandemic hit that Mel finally got serious about making her passion a full-time business.

“This is definitely a new career path for me,” Mel explains modestly, but clients would be baffled to know of her novice when witnessing h her beyond-stunning pieces. “I felt like I was reinventing myself, and the dried flowers were sort of symbolic. To me, they’re not really dead. They are just taking on a new life, just like me. I’m still me. I just needed to find that other part of me.”

Where To Find Mela Fleurs

flower shop hoboken mela fleurs

(Photo credit: @mela_fleurs)

The shop, called La Tiendita de Mela Fleurs, was located at 320 Washington Street in Hoboken and first opened on Black Friday, 2020. Although the storefront is closed, customers can still order online and through Instagram. Customers can also spot Mela Fleurs designs at local favorites around Hoboken, such as Brooke + Bel, The Co., and Lorraine’s House of Styles. “I want to shout out to all the amazing small business owners here, particularly the women. It’s such a strong lady gang. I felt so welcomed by them, and if it wasn’t for them, I don’t think I would have had the balls to do this, quite frankly,” Mel laughs.

Brooke and Sam from Brooke + Bel first met Mel as a customer in their boutique. “Mel was shopping one day and mentioned nonchalantly that she does dried floral arrangements as a hobby. She then showed us a picture of her work, and we were completely blown away by the photos. We just had to have her do custom pieces for us!” Brooke and Sam explained.

See More: A Guide to Boutique Floral Shops in the Montclair Area

There was a flower bar where customers can create their own arrangements or purchase pre-made arrangements that are available. The assortments available include hand-tied bouquets, small to large arrangements with or without a vase, wreaths, floral hoops, and more. Mel also offers custom work for weddings and events.

Pricing

flower shop hoboken mela fleurs

(Photo credit: @mela_fleurs)

  • Petite hand-tied bouquet (without vase) — $20-$35
  • Small arrangements with vase — $50-$60
  • Medium arrangements with vase — $70-$85
  • Large + XL arrangements with vase — $95-$150

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