A blooming partnership: Buckets n Blooms and Dee Dee’s team up on Main Street

Two local favorites have mixed coffee, flowers, and community spirit into one cozy spot in Main Street Rockton, Illinois, on the corner of N. Blackhawk Boulevard and W. Main Street.

Christy Krupa, owner of Buckets n Blooms, has officially joined forces with Dee Dee’s Main Street Coffee & Decor, creating a two-in-one destination for Rockton area residents and visitors. The collaboration, which had been in the works through several past events and conversations, became a reality this spring when Christy moved her floral business into a newly renovated space within the coffee shop.

The idea had been building for a while. After partnering on multiple events that combined coffee and flowers, the two business owners realized the pairing was a natural fit.

“We’d done a bunch of fun events together where people could get flowers and coffee, and I just kept telling Christy, ‘We need to get you downtown,’” said Dee Dee, owner of the coffee shop. “When the opportunity came up, I talked it over with my husband, and we knew it could work.”

Christy said her first instinct was to jump on the opportunity. “I wanted to say yes right away,” she said. “But I also knew I needed to talk with my husband and give it some thought.”

The partnership made sense to everyone, and together, they transformed a seating and storage area at the back of Dee Dee’s into a charming floral shop.

“I didn’t hesitate,” Dee Dee said. “Coffee, flowers, plants, it all fits together so well. Now it’s like a one-stop shop. People can grab a coffee and pick up flowers, or vice versa.”

The new setup has already been a hit with customers. Both Christy and Dee Dee said they’ve noticed increased foot traffic and enthusiastic reactions from visitors who love the convenience and the fresh, bright look of the updated space.

“Some people didn’t even realize I existed before,” Christy said with a laugh. “Now they can get their coffee and immediately stop in for flowers.”

In addition to walk-in customers, Christy also offers flower delivery, subscription bouquets, and preservation services for those who want to keep their special blooms long after the moment has passed. “Everything I do is about helping people connect to the joy flowers can bring,” she said.

The partnership has opened the door for more than just daily business. Christy plans to continue offering floral workshops and private events after store hours, with the possibility of expanding into “after-party” style gatherings in the shared space. She’ll also have more flexibility to hold larger classes at other venues, something that was difficult to manage while running her previous location full-time.

Both businesses will continue to stay active on Facebook, where they post updates about events, specials, and future collaborations. Customers can also look forward to crossover promotions, including some creative ideas for Mother’s Day, like adding flower accents to seasonal drinks.

As the new chapter unfolds, both Christy and Dee Dee are focused on building connections and growing their presence downtown.

“For me, being on Main Street means everything,” Christy said. “It makes it easier to collaborate with other businesses and be part of community events. I’ve always wanted to be downtown, and now I’m here.”

The timing couldn’t be better. Dee Dee’s will celebrate its five-year anniversary on May 10, and both business owners are planning a joint celebration to mark the occasion.

To stay updated on classes, private events, and special promotions, follow Buckets n Blooms and Dee Dee’s Main Street Coffee & Decor on Facebook.

Vayda Schneedle, junior reporter-in-training for Rockton-Roscoe News, came along to help with the interview. She prepared three fun questions for Christy and DeeDee, but a microphone mishap cut the recording short. One question still made it through: If the shop had a theme song, what would it be? DeeDee smiled and answered, “Definitely the Friends theme song.” (“I’ll Be There for You” by The Rembrandts.)