Founded in 2009 by Alea Joy and Sarah Helmstetter, Solabee Flowers and Botanicals brings together more than 15 years of floral experience with a never-ending love for plants and flowers. What began as a small floral design studio has grown into a retail space where flowers, houseplants, and carefully selected botanical treasures reflect the founders' longstanding connection to the natural world.
A Powerful Flower and Plant Duo With Alea and Sarah
Today, Solabee Flowers and Botanicals is located on a sunny corner in North Portland, Oregon, inside a former neighborhood pharmacy that has been transformed into a flower and plant shop. The space combines tropical plants with Oregon's seasonal flowers, creating an environment that feels full of greenery throughout the year. Fresh flowers arrive almost daily, alongside a selection of healthy indoor plants, locally made pottery, and botanical goods. Solabee also creates wedding flowers, provides weekly floral services, and designs interior plant installations for residential and commercial spaces.
Plants are at the center of everything Solabee does. The team shares extensive knowledge of houseplants and flowers, helping customers choose plants that suit their homes, lifestyles, and level of experience. Over the years, the shop has also evolved into a space where people can ask questions, learn more about plant care, and cultivate a deeper connection with nature. Since opening in 2009, Solabee has grown through the support of its local community. Every bouquet, plant, and customer has contributed to the shop's evolution, allowing it to expand while staying true to the idea that flowers and plants should be part of everyday life.
Solabee Flowers and Botanicals – What They Do
The studio operates as both a plant shop and a full-service floral design studio in North Portland. The team creates flowers for weddings, prepares daily floral arrangements, and offers hand-tied bouquets using seasonal flowers sourced from local growers whenever possible.
The shop also specializes in houseplants, helping customers select varieties that suit their space and experience. Potting services, plant care guidance, and plant health assessments are part of the everyday work at Solabee. For clients looking for additional support, the team offers in-home consultations, advises on existing plant collections, designs indoor plant installations, and provides ongoing maintenance when needed.
Take a look at the plants and flowers... all in the studio!
Since opening, the studio has focused on making plants and flowers accessible through practical knowledge, thoughtful design, and personal service. Its work reflects a lasting appreciation for the natural world and encourages people to bring plants into their homes and everyday lives.
Solabee's conservatory-style shop is home to a curated collection of rare and unusual plants, a build-your-own terrarium station, and locally made art and botanical goods. The space also includes the floral design studio, where the team creates fresh bouquets each day and welcomes walk-in flower orders.
Alongside its floral services, Alea and Sarah are well known for their expertise with indoor plants. The team helps clients introduce greenery into homes, offices, and commercial spaces, creating plant- and flower-filled interiors that reflect each environment and its needs. Check out their full creativity with plants and flowers on Solabee's Instagram.
Photos: @solabeeflowers.
