Mother and daughter Jo Buttram and Shelby Shy, respectively, own the lovely Shirley’s Flowers & Gifts, Inc in Rogers, Arkansas. Shirley’s Flowers & Gifts, Inc was named a top florist by The Knot, a national bridal magazine. They offer fresh flowers, green and blooming plants, balloon bouquets, gift baskets, gourmet and fruit baskets, vases, wedding and event rentals.
We spoke with Shelby Shy and asked her what flowers are best in the winter bouquets, what it is like working with her family, and what she loves about Northwest Arkansas!
How did Shirley’s Flowers & Gifts, Inc. begin?
My grandmother, Shirley Cole, started the business in 1975. She and my grandfather Jack Cole saw the need in Northwest Arkansas for a quality customer-satisfaction -guaranteed floral shop.
What is the best part of working with your family? How do you see it truly helping your business?
The best part of being a part of a three-generation florist is that we all bring something new to the shop. We are all very open-minded and open to change; that keeps us fresh and top in the market.
Can you tell us about a time when you saw your flowers make a difference in someone’s life?
Every day our flowers make a difference in someone’s life. We have brides send us pictures and thank-you cards all the time telling us that our flowers completely made their wedding day special! We also hear from event coordinators who say how our flowers really brought their event to life. One of the most memorable events is when a soldier overseas calls us to send flowers to his loved ones here in the States…that is when it really hits home at how powerful the gift of flowers can be!
One of our long-time customers had her father pass away recently. In honor of him, the customer picked out all tropical flowers because it reminded her of the yearly vacations they took to Hawaii. It gave her great comfort.
What do you love most about Northwest Arkansas?
My mother and I were born and raised here, so we are quite fond of our hometown area and could never imagine having a shop anywhere else. We have seen this town grow tremendously over the past ten years, but it has never lost that hometown feel.
What are your favorite flower combinations for the fall and winter?
Monochromatic floral arrangements are one of our favorite design styles right now. It’s always fun to incorporate non-floral items into bouquets. For example, fun wintry manzanilla sticks or icicle branches worked into arrangements add a personal touch. They add a certain funk and different element to each bouquet.
Shirley’s was named a top florist by the Knot magazine. As a top wedding florist, what are some tips you would give a future bride regarding her flowers?
Before coming to your florist make sure you have your colors picked out. Color has such an important role in picking out your flowers. If you have pictures or a theme for your wedding always share with your florist…they always help to get my “florist creativity” going!
Are there any non-profits in NWA that are especially close to your heart? If so, which ones and why?
Kiss-a-Pig, Color of Hope, NWA Children’s Shelter, Mercy “O Night Devine”, Heart Gala, Boys and Girls Club and too many others I have a hard time naming them all. We truly enjoy working with non-profits and take special pride in being able to contribute as much as we can.
What is your favorite part of being a florist?
The best part is that we all truly love flowers. We feel flowers feed the soul through sight, smell and the positive feelings and emotions they bring to our customers.
For more information, visit their website: http://www.shirleysflowersinc.com/
By Mary Grace Joseph for 3W Magazine