Local and Bloom, the community-focused shop co-owned by Julie Long and Stephan Tomlin, recently celebrated its sixth anniversary with a newly expanded and renovated storefront and a renewed commitment to local artists, makers, and the everyday moments its customers entrust to it.
“Making it past the five-year mark is a feat in the business world. We are very thankful to celebrate six years in business,” Long and Tomlin said. “It’s all thanks to the support of our community.”
Launched at the height of the pandemic, the shop’s start demanded ingenuity from day one. “Starting in COVID forced us to be creative and think outside of the box from the get-go,” they said. “Our willingness to embrace change is what keeps us fresh and has brought us success.”
That agility has helped Local and Bloom evolve from a neighborhood find into a Pike Road staple. “Our confidence in being a Pike Road staple has grown. We know our worth and what we bring to the table for our community,” they added. “Our mission is to love our community by loving people. That will never change.”
For Long and Tomlin, that mission shows up in the relationships they build across life’s milestones. “Our customers are family. We love being a part of everyday life,” they said. “It’s not about selling gifts but about real connections to us. We pick out gifts each week for celebrations, heartbreaks, tough days, loss, weddings, birthdays, graduations and so much more. We don’t take this for granted.”
The sixth-anniversary milestone follows a period of growth, including a recent expansion and renovation designed to showcase more local and curated lines. “2026 is an exciting year for growth,” the co-owners said. “We are constantly evolving by adding new lines, but our commitment to supporting local artists and makers is bigger than ever. Stop by and let us show you why we stand out. We have a gift for everyone and we specialize in gifts you can’t get anywhere else.”
“Local” has always been more than a name. The owners chose Pike Road because they live here, their children attend local schools, and they believe in investing in the community. Inside the shop, that local-first philosophy is visible on every shelf. Local and Bloom connects shoppers with locally made gifts and art, Pike Road tees and hats, and a curated selection of popular brands such as Capri Blue, Vivian Drew, and ExVoto Vintage, alongside works by artists including Barbara Davis, Lauren Foshee, and Joanie Conoly.
Local and Bloom’s growth is anchored by a simple through-line: connection. As the business enters its seventh year, Long and Tomlin say the plan is to keep doing what has worked from the start—listen closely, support local talent, and help neighbors mark the big and small moments that make up a life.
If you have never stopped by Local and Bloom, stop by and let them show you why they stand out. They have a gift for everyone, and we specialize in gifts you can’t get anywhere else.
Local and Bloom is located in the warehouses at 569 Pike Road, about a mile from Publix and next to Nayo the Barber, Pike Road Signs, Pike Road Coffee, and Magic City Cheer Gym.
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