The new location of Keepsake Flowers, just a quarter mile north of the old spot, is working out better than Jacque Kucyk and her staff hoped.
‘We did at least double our normal volume for Valentine’s Day,? Kucyk said. ‘We’ve had all kinds of people stopping in just to check us out.?
With spring just around the corner, Kucyk is excited about several upcoming events. After recently joining the Clarkston-area Chamber of Commerce, she will participate for the first time in the annual SCAMP Home Tour, contributing floral arrangements to two different houses on the tour.
‘I’m really excited about this project,? Kucyk said. ‘I’ll go over to the homes ahead of time so I can look at the d’cor and get an idea of what I want to do’something with a wow factor. I can’t wait to get my hands on that project.?
In addition to the cut flowers, plants, wire service and gifts available at the shop, Kucyk will now work in concert with neighboring Lowrie’s Landscaping to offer customers complementary services and more of a one-stop-shopping type experience.
Kucyk plans to offer seasonal merchandise such as flats of flowers, pumpkins, Christmas trees, wreaths and grave blankets.
And with Lowrie’s planning to sell large planting containers this year, Kucyk said she will offer a service to fill those containers with a selection of flowering annuals appropriate for any location the customer designates’sun or shade.
She’ll also participate in Lowrie’s annual open hose this spring, contributing balloon arrangements and other supplies.
Expanding, she said, seems like the natural next step, noting that she took over the shop about a year and a half ago when Keepsake’s previous owner was in the process of liquidating the business.
It’s been a learning experience, she said, but the efforts have helped her provide customers with a quality product.
‘I triple process the flowers, which I think is very important because the vase life is longer that way,? she said, explaining that not all floral retailers use the longer and more costly method. ‘I’ve had people come in and tell me flowers will last up to two weeks if they change the water.?
Kucyk, who offers standard wedding and funeral arrangements as well as custom designs, said she and her staff will do whatever they can to help customers achieve just the right piece.
Recently, she created a funeral arrangement for the family of an avid golfer, who requested the flowers be arranged in a golf bag ? a real, full-sized golf bag.
‘It turned out really neat,? she said. ‘The family loved it.?
Another family had to be more economical, but requested an arrangement using a bowling ball and pin. Again, success.
It is customer satisfaction, she said, that drives the business.
‘I’ll back up what we sell,? she said. ‘If someone has a problem I’ve always fixed it.?
Kucyk, who also has a flair for interior design, said her career choic was natural.
‘I have a real passion for flowers and plants,? she said. ‘I always wanted to have a greenhouse when I was a little girl.?
The new location is decorated in vivid, inviting colors, and most people comment on the delicious smell of the shop when they come through the door.
‘I really do love my work,? said Kucyk, ‘and I’m proud that I was able to take a shop that was in liquidation and build it up into a thriving business. I want people to come in, chat, and feel good about what they find here.?
Keepsake Flowers is located at 9561 Dixie Highway, Clarkston, MI 48348.
For more information, call 248-625-3302, fax 248-625-6082, or check their Website, www.keepsakeflowers.net.