Ownership may have changed from Carrol to Candice, but flowers are still the name of the game.
After 15 years as Carrol’s Flowers, former owner Carrol Cantor has retired and relocated up north.
Now Candice Jones is running shop as Candice’s Flowers ‘n’ Garden Center.
Jones, 36, actually took ownership May 30, but wanted to make the change gradual for consumers.
“I didn’t want to scare off old customers.”
A Clarkston resident for 15 years, Jones found her love for flowers in high school, when she attended a vocational school in Flint.
“I just had a thing for art and had the ability and know how and things just grew from there.”
But she still wasn’t sure a career in floral design was the right path, but thought social work was.
While working at Gerych’s flower shop in Fenton in high school, the owner told her she had a “real knack” for this work. And Jones realized it herself. It led to a degree in floral design and business.
Later, she found an opportunity at Jacobson’s in Waterford, where she stayed for four years. She then managed Flowers By Joe in Union Lake for five years.
In between, she ran husband Steve’s moving company, Jones Moving, amidst being mother to two boys, Travis, 10 and Alex, 4 1/2 as well as two stepchildren, Sara, 16, and Steven Jr., 15.
Jones is delighted to have her own shop now.
They’ll be some physical changes to the store such as a new mural on the side of the building that welcomes customers, painted by Jones’ friend, Jill Obert.
She eventually hopes to make the greenhouse operational (poor ventilation doesn’t allow that currently), and connect the greenhouse and the store, at this time two separate buildings.
Jones also wants to grow into providing more floral services for parties and weddings.
The shop offers fresh and silk plants, fresh flowers and styled arrangements for all seasons as well as corsages, balloons, greeting cards, and a small assortment of gifts.
Most of all, Jones offers an inviting atmosphere.
“I’ve always been keen on friendliness and quality. Customer oriented…I’ve always been that way.”
But don’t expect a pushy salesperson, either.
“I like to make the person feel wanted. I’m not pushy. I just want a friendly atmosphere and quality service.”
Jones encourages readers to stop by.
Hours are Monday through Friday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday 10 am. to 4 p.m. Closed on Sundays.
Candice’s Flowers ‘n Garden Center is located at 5438 Sashabaw Rd. in Clarkston, at the corner of Maybee. Call (248) 623-2255.