A casual conversation at a Ladner Business Association networking event turned into a new business venture for one local entrepreneur.
Corrine Doolan Johnstone, who also runs Winning Promotional Products, was at an LBA event earlier this year when she struck up a conversation with Shelley Macdonald, who owned Ladner Village Floral and Gifts. She mentioned she was thinking of selling the flower side of the business and focusing on the gift shop and home decor side of the business.
Johnstone said she went home and the more she thought about it, the more it seemed like the perfect fit.
"I've always wanted a storefront, and I've always wanted to be in Ladner Village," she said. "I thought it was the perfect opportunity."
Johnstone took over the store on April 1 and changed the name to The Flower Shop in the Village.
Inspired by European flower shops, the bright store in the heart of Ladner Village is filled with colourful blossoms of all kinds, including locally grown orchids, as well as houseplants and planters.
The store also carries some garden accessories as well as trinkets that can be added to any arrangement.
"I kept the same amazing floral designers, Alicja Jarczyk and Barb Swindell," Johnstone said.
She said The Flower Shop can cater to any occasion and will custom make bouquets tailored to a customer's needs, and delivers locally as well as worldwide through a florist network.
"We take pride in how we take care of our flowers," she said, adding the flowers, which are bought at auction three or four times a week, are meticulously cleaned and prepped before being stored at the proper temperature.
The Flower Shop in the Village, which is located at 5050-48th Ave., is open 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday.
For more information call 604-946-8018.
