True Dakotan article about 2nd & Bloom

KRISTI HINE / TRUE DAKOTAN 

Less than a month ago on January 20, 2025, Bethany Schimke was talking with her husband Layton about career paths, possibilities and dreams. Unbeknownst to the couple at the time, news would arrive a mere two days later that brought the intangibles and impossibilities of the conversation into reality.

“It was actually a little creepy how it worked out,” laughed Schimke. “A few days before Laura (Baker) even made her announcement, I told Layton I missed agronomy, working with plants and being outside. But he’s in agronomy and we both know it’s not family-friendly to have two people working those hours. We were talking a little more and then it dawned on me, having a flower shop would be my dream job.”  

After thoughtful consideration and enduring a life-changing health scare, Laura Baker, along with her husband Jamie, father-in-law Kim and mother-in-law Cyndi announced January 22 that Baker’s Design in Wessington Springs would close its florist side of the business effective immediately. 

“When Laura shared the news about her health journey and that she was no longer doing the floral side of the business, I asked Layton, ‘Is that a sign?’ He didn’t hesitate and encouraged me to take the next step,” Schimke said. “I told Layton I was terrified to talk to her because I knew how bad it was killing her to give it up. She loved flowers and she loved being a florist. I felt awful even asking if it was even an option to buy the floral side of the business. With Layton’s encouragement, I finally worked up the courage to talk to her about it."

The relationship between Schimke and Baker ran deep, as the WSHS Class of 2015 alumni was one of the first students in Wessington Springs High School FFA floriculture that Baker trained and coached.

“My sister Chelsea’s class got FFA adviser Craig Shryock convinced to do floriculture so he turned us over to Laura because he didn’t know the first thing about it,” Schimke explained. “We would go to Baker’s Design early in the mornings before school and she taught us so much. When I finally was brave enough to ask her about buying the floral business she was super supportive. What a full circle moment.” 

Leading up to one of the busiest holidays for a florist, Valentine’s Day, the last several weeks have brought a flurry of activity to the Schimke household. They purchased all of Baker’s floral supplies, coolers and have set up a work space in their garage on 2nd Street in Wessington Springs. The new retail florist shop, 2nd and Bloom, opened last week. 

“The guys at Bakers Repair delivered the cooler in a telehandler and Layton got a bunch of guys together to help unload it. Once we made the decision and finalized it, I’ve been trying to get a delivery. We were literally starting at zero right before Valentine’s day,” Schimke explained, adding that her first floral delivery from the wholesaler arrived at 4 a.m. Monday. “Laura and Cyndi have been a godsend. She said she was going to help me get the ball rolling and I’m grateful — setting up the sales tax license, getting accounts set up with wholesalers and working full time, it has definitely been busy. 

Schimke will continue in her position at City Hall in Wessington Springs working full-time in the finance office where she has been employed since 2019 and don her florist hat on evenings and weekends. 

Since the 2nd and Bloom announcement was made, she has been working on Valentine’s Day orders and funerals. Her website, www.2ndandbloom.com , features four pre-made Valentine’s Day arrangements and also customizable personal bouquets and plants.

“I was born and raised here and through working at City Hall, I feel like I know everyone. This isn’t going to be a mass-produced floral shop,” she said. "During the sadder times, it’s important for people to know they’re in good hands and they’re working with someone who genuinely cares. They’re not just another name on the list.” 

Love of flowers — and Wessington Springs —  runs deep 

Schimke’s earliest memories involve interacting with plants and flowers with members of her family. 

“My grandpa used to take us on car rides to pick wild roses for my grandma. Grandpa Schroeder made sure my grandma had fresh roses all the time,” she shared. “That’s just what we did with our grandparents — both of my grandmas, Peterson and Schroeder, had massive gardens. Most of my aunts have a huge green thumb and my sister Chelsea worked for Laura at Baker’s Design. We have quite a history down the line.” 

She said that working with flowers and plants is relaxing to her and she enjoys the variety that botanicals bring. 

“I love the variety and to watch things grow. I also love this town,” she expressed. “I wanted to continue to provide a service here locally. Laura was a part of everyone’s happiest moments and saddest moments. It’s nice for people to have a local place to call for plants or flowers.” 

Schimke said her focus now is Valentine’s Day but further developing her website is high on her list. She also has future plans for interactive events and classes. And her longtime mentor couldn’t be more enthused.

“I’m excited for what she wants to bring,” said Baker. “I love the aspect that she wants to carry on with what I’ve worked so hard to build into something I could take pride in.” 

The full-circle moment isn’t lost on Baker either. 

“To have her be on one of the first FFA floriculture teams and now watch her go on with what we started is amazing. I love it and it makes me happy. I am thrilled with her enthusiasm,” Baker reflected, adding that she was more than happy to help connect her with wholesalers and explain the ins and outs of an intense holiday in the floral world like Valentine’s Day. “I wanted to point her in the right direction so she could succeed.” 

Baker said part of that success will come with connections across the state and Schimke will accompany Baker to the South Dakota Florist Association Convention later this month to network, attend sessions and participate in hands-on design. 

“I want to thank all my customers and hope they support Bethany as much as they supported and encouraged me in this adventure,” Baker said. “I think she’ll do great. I am proud of her for taking the leap and being confident to do that.” 

In the meantime, Schimke is focused on fulfilling her Valentine’s Day orders and supplying plants and other arrangements for the two funerals in town this week. 

“In the heat of things I am seeing firsthand how much a community depends on a florist — prom, anniversaries, holidays and funerals and just for everyday. Something fresh and alive brightens up a place and nobody is ever sad if they get handed a surprise bouquet,” added Schimke. “Life’s simply better with flowers.”