How, when and why did you start your business?

September 7, 1988. We wanted to develop a new retail experience. The building came up for sale, and it felt like it was the right time. We wanted to be downtown, for sure.

What makes your business unique?

We search for unique stuff that you’re not going to find somewhere else. We offer a lot of local and Midwest goods, and we try to source as much as we can that's made America. We believe in being involved in the community and we participate in lots of fundraising events.

What product or service is most popular, or what are you known for?

I think fresh flowers is what comes to mind first for local people, and for tourists or out of town guests, it's probably unique gifts.

What motivates you?

Making personal connections and being there for clients. You know I've been doing this long enough now where I've sent flowers to a family when a baby was born, and now I’m doing their wedding flowers. You’re a part of every emotional event from birthday parties to graduations and weddings. And we’re always growing. Even when we started, we thought, “how do we create a brand that isn’t just one thing?”

How do you measure or define success?

I think by building relationships and seeing ideas come to fruition and thrive.

How do you generate new ideas?

We banter back and forth. Brainstorming ideation. Being adaptable in different spaces and allowing an idea to naturally morph. We try to bring in random stuff that you're not going to expect.

Talk a little bit about your staff.

We have an awesome team, and we’ve just added to it. There are 14 of us, with certain members dedicated to floral, deliver, retail, etc.

What excites you about the future of the district?

I think it's headed in a good direction, and I think the changes are good. I think it's positive. For the most part businesses work really well together.