Stem by stem, Sandra Brennan puts together another flower arrangement for one of her customers. It's been a hobby of hers that she's loved since she was a young girl.

" I started working in a flower shop when I was 15 in Ireland as a part-time after school job," Brennan said. "The first few days I didn't like, but then I actually really loved it. Something changed inside of me...I wasn't sure I was going to do it forever, but once I started it, I couldn't leave it. I loved everything about it...and I loved that satisfaction feeling of seeing somebody buy your product with care and love."

After graduating from college, Brennan eventually listened to her heart and moved to New York when she was just 19, pursuing the "American Dream" and joining her family's business, Blossom Flower Shops.

"We are a fourth generation family flower shop," she explained. "We put a lot of time and effort into sourcing our flowers directly from the farms and getting them here overnight. They're cultivating the flowers for months. They've grown them for years. It supports families from all over the world, and we're lucky enough to have them here. Once we get the flowers, we have to process them, and we just don't put flowers together; we design them. We do it with intention, care, patience [and] skill. We take big pride in our work for the final result."

As the years go by, the community continues to see all the love and care in each arrangement. It's their support that has helped Blossom Flower Shops stay in business and celebrate its 100th birthday last year.

"We have the best customers," Brennan said. "They're very loyal. They come back because they get the freshest flowers, the longest lasting flowers and something different every time they come in. They know it's made with care. They [even] come in just to chat...People come into our store every holiday, and sometimes they scream, 'Oh my God, I love this place!'... It's very heartwarming...and to contribute to something so special with your family is just unbelievable."

Blossom Flower Shops has two locations. The original store is located at 980 McLean Ave. in Yonkers, while the second is now at 275 Mamaroneck Ave. in White Plains. Orders for either location can be placed in person, online or by phone at (914) 237-2511.

The shops also offer other products for non-flower lovers. Those include tropical heart-shaped plants, stuffed animals, candles and chocolates.