Estimated read time: 2-3 minutes
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
This is Fred Ball for Zions Bank, speaking on business.
At the young age of 18 and with no business experience under her belt, Amelia Stubblefield opened a small floral shop in the front section of Draper’s old icehouse. Her shop remains in the 100 year-old building, which was once used as a community refrigerator, but Amelia has now expanded throughout the entire building, including a warehouse in back.
Amelia believes that because of the building’s thick walls for insulation, her flowers are better able to maintain their freshness and longevity.
Amelia started as a simple florist with just one room. Now, she has taken on the challenging yet rewarding task of wedding planning. Offering a one-stop service, she does everything from floral design and catering to setting up gazebos and canopies. The only things she is unable to provide are the wedding dress, tux, and unfortunately for some, the groom!
Planning anywhere from 5-10 weddings a week, Amelia and her staff of only about 15 keep hard at work. Preferring at least two months advance notice, the staff, though small, has still been able to throw together the unimaginable.
Amelia tells of one instance in which a frantic bride showed up a half an hour before her wedding was to begin. The bride needed help because her florist had lost her order and she had nothing for her big day. Amelia’s staff pulled together and by the time the wedding was to begin, Amelia presented a bridal bouquet as well as floral arrangements for the entire wedding party. Even better, the flowers were the bride’s exact colors!
The shop’s small and casual atmosphere helps locals, especially men, feel comfortable when they visit. Amelia laughs at the mere mention of grooms entering her shop, though. She siad as most grooms are normally caught between their brides and their soon-to-be mothers-in-law, they rarely leave the shop without bruises on both shoulders. Not surprisingly, the majority of her clientele are brides.
Although her specialties are flowers and weddings, those who need neither may still find great use for the shop. Amelia now markets costumes. Costing anywhere from $25-$75 for rental, Amelia’s “haunted costumes” are sure to liven up any costume party. She even rents costumes for theme weddings!
For Zions Bank, I’m Fred Ball. I’m speaking on business.
