We had the good fortune of connecting with Leah Kosiek and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Leah, every day, we know how much execution matters, but we think ideas matter as well. How did you come up with the idea for your business?
I don’t have the traditional story of always farming or growing flowers. I definitely don’t have a green thumb—I’ve killed far more plants than I’ve kept alive. But like this farm, I’m a work in progress. The idea for Moo’s Bloomatorium came from my Great Dane, Millie (or Millie Moo, Moo Butt… the nicknames were endless). I became a full-time dog mom in 2016, and together, we explored the world, discovering all the wonders nature had to offer. Millie had this way of making me slow down and notice things I’d normally overlook. We’d wander through parks all over the city, and she’d always stop to sniff every flower she could find. Those walks with her made me see nature differently. They sparked something in me—a desire not just to enjoy it but to create something meaningful, especially for pollinators and the environment. In 2018, I started growing my space, beginning with a simple gateway flower—zinnias. From there, I just kept growing more and more, eventually needing more space to support my growing passion. I’ve worked hard to learn from other local farmers and florists, and I continue to learn more each season. This farm grew out of that connection. It’s a labor of love, grounded in the stillness and appreciation Millie taught me. Thanks for following along as I continue to grow—both as a farmer and as a person.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
At Moo’s Bloomatorium, my flower farm is more than just a place where flowers grow—it’s a space built from love, loss, and the quiet joy of noticing the little things.

What started with my Great Dane Millie sniffing blooms on our neighborhood walks has turned into a small but mighty farm rooted in beauty, resilience, and purpose. I didn’t come from a farming background. I began with zinnias, just a few plants and a lot of learning. Season by season, I grew—alongside the flowers.

Today, I grow specialty blooms on a micro-urban plot in Northeast Florida, using sustainable, pollinator-friendly practices to share the magic of local, seasonal flowers. Every bouquet is personal. Every stem carries a story. And behind it all is a commitment to doing things thoughtfully—with intention, heart, and the support of my family (especially my husband, who helps make it all possible).

I want the world to know that local flowers matter. That beauty doesn’t have to be shipped thousands of miles. That slow-growing can be powerful. And that small farms like mine are blooming with love

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
BREW Five Points because obviously, we need good coffee to start the day. Maybe a breakfast taco… or a kolache if we’re feeling fancy. Then we’d load up the kids and head to the Jacksonville Zoo because let’s be real, these days everything involves the little ones, and they love it there.

After that, we’d take a stroll through Riverside, maybe stop at a shop or two, and just enjoy a slower pace. If we’re up for a full adventure day I would take them to Jax Beach a lot of sunscreen & sandcastles are a given.

A few of my favorite quiet spots are Alpine Groves Park, which is beautiful and full of history, or Walter Jones Historic Park, where everything feels a little slower and sweeter. But one of my absolute favorites is the Jacksonville Arboretum & Botanical Gardens. It’s tucked away off Merrill Road, and walking the trails there feels like stepping into a different world. You’ve got towering trees, a peaceful lake, and all kinds of hidden little corners—it’s the kind of place where you can just breathe a little easier.

And don’t worry—we’re eating well all along the way.

Lunch at Angie’s Subs, dinner at Taverna in San Marco if we’re feeling fancy, and if it’s Saturday morning? You’re getting a biscuit from Brass Tacks and a cold brew and heading over to RiverFront Park in the Switzerland area to walk the trails and the dock overlooking the St. John’s River.

It’s not a flashy kind of day. But it’s real, and slow, and full of the things we love most

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I wouldn’t be where I am today without the unwavering love and support of my husband. After nearly 15 years of marriage, we’ve weathered many highs and lows together—but through it all, he has been my rock and my guiding light.

He’s the one I bounce ideas off of, the behind-the-scenes engineer who helps make our small farm run in a way that works for both our family and the business. On the hard days, when I feel like giving up, he’s the one who keeps me moving forward. He’s by my side in the early mornings and late into the night—helping tend the flowers, lifting the heavy things (literally and figuratively), and being the steady presence we all lean on.

Most days, he’s just as much a part of this farm as I am. And I’m forever grateful.

Website: https://moosblooms.com/

Instagram: Moosbloomatorium

Image Credits
Christina Block
Adriana Denise

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