Welcome to Broadway Stages’ Spotlight, where we feature local shops, restaurants, organizations, individuals, and venues. We encourage our readers to join us in supporting these establishments and advancing local economic growth.

On September 22 of this year, Suzanne Agbayani took a giant leap in following her passion. That day was the official grand opening of Flower Cat. Flower Cat is a combination of a floral shop and a café on Noble Street in Greenpoint, Brooklyn.

Suzanne has always had a passion for flowers. From arranging bodega flowers to share with her friends to helping her grandmother tend to her flower garden during her childhood in Hawaii, she has always found peace working in this artistic expression. But this has not always been her vocation.

Early in her life, Agbayani immigrated from the Philippines to Hawaii. And after 24 years of living there, she ventured to New York City to study at Pratt Institute for her Masters in Architecture. In no time, she realized she had found a home in the City, but eight years in architecture had her longing for something else.

She turned her energy back to what had always brought her peace and decided to master the art of floral design. In no time, she was shopping for locations for her own shop. After considering a few options, she came across the space on Noble Street and fell in love with the community.

Of her shop, she said, “This is my baby. I want it to feel lived in — my friend said it feels like my living room.” To this end, she has furnished the space with several antiques either passed down from family members or from Agbayani’s own home. Other items include decorative end tables from Mother of Junk in Williamsburg and a counter made of discarded tables from Brooklyn Brewery.

Agbayani would eventually like to fill up the whole gallery wall. Grab-and-go flowers and astrology-inspired bouquets are just a few of the ideas she is considering. Her floral selections range from bright to more muted selections. And, of course, she has pet-safe options. She self-identifies as a crazy cat lady who adores her two cats, Shrimp and Lilith. “I want people to sit and stay awhile,” Agbayani said. “I want to encourage lounging like a cat.” Hence the name Flower Cat.

But this is much more than just a great place to shop for flowers. The space also incorporates a café’ staffed by poet, writer, and barista Savannah James. James can pour you a cup of java or craft something more in keeping with the flower theme, like their signature drinks, rose pistachio and honey lavender lattes. And if you are sitting down, you might as well enjoy some locally sourced baked goods (like the best-selling cinnamon rolls from Bushwick Bakery). You can peruse the entire café menu here.

Flower Cat is open Tuesday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Their weekend hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. They are closed on Mondays. If you want to preview the arrangements and café goods, check them out on Instagram before stopping in person. You might just catch a glimpse of Shrimp and Lilith, too!

Broadway Stages loves shopping locally all year round. And with this being the prime shopping time of the year, we encourage you to consider a seasonal arrangement from Flower Cat. And maybe a latte, too! And when you stop in, tell them Broadway Stages sent you!