Business is Blooming with Blucid Floral

Brandi Charlot in her Lower 9th Ward brick-and-mortar business, owner of Blucid Floral.

Despite several beloved New Orleans dives, restaurants, and small businesses shuttering due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Lower 9th Ward native, licensed florist, and floral designer Brandi Charlot opened Blucid (Bih-lu-sed) Floral last fall. The flower bar’s name takes inspiration from the “B” in its owner’s name, and the lucid denotes “having that clear vision or understanding between my client and myself,” says Charlot. Prior to opening Blucid, Charlot curated events (birthday parties, weddings, etc.) throughout New Orleans and briefly studied under celebrated wedding planner and event designer Preston Bailey for several days, which helped further develop her mechanics and innovation. During the last year of stay-at-home mandates, remote work, and lack of social activities, Blucid has provided a “field trip” of sorts for New Orleanians who have been stuck at home during the pandemic. Inside the teal double shotgun — that previously served as her workspace — Brandi gives customers the option to pick and choose their flowers à la carte style, while also listening to music that’s just as vibrant and colorful as the space they’re patronizing. Neon signs adorn the shy pink walls while yellow shelving holds photos of Black Masking Indians, Zulu Tramps, and even of Charlot herself, a member of the Treme Sidewalk Steppers Social Aid & Pleasure Club. Murals combining her two loves of culture and flowers…