New business blossoms from lifelong dream
Staff reporter
For Wendy Youk, owning and operating her own flower shop and greenhouse, Aunt Bee's Floral, Garden Center, and Gifts, is a dream come true.
"It all just fell into place," she said.
Youk's life-long dream came to fruition when she purchased the former Main Street Flowers building at 1201 E. Main, Marion, and opened her business April 4, just in time for spring.
"This spring was a little unusual (weather-wise)," Youk said with a smile, with snow in April. She could have waited until May but sales have been steady and her customer base continues to grow.
Youk decided to call her business Aunt Bee's because she liked the Andy Griffith Show from the 1960s. Aunt Bea was the name of the main character's aunt. Changing one letter made the name fit even better with the flower business.
"It's a comfortable and inviting name," Youk said.
The business venture is a family affair. Husband Justin, who does lawn care and seeding work, and is turf manager at Marion Country Club, is involved in his wife's business by assisting her customers with planting and landscaping.
Mother Tudy Brunner and Youk's sisters assisted with the preparation of the facilities prior to the grand opening and continue to help as needed.
"I am very appreciative of my mother and sisters," she said. "I couldn't have done it alone."
Starting the business too late to grow her own plants and flowers, Youk purchased those items from another greenhouse.
"We were able to plant some seeds this year but next January we'll be able to do more," she said.
Seeds and plugs planted in the winter will make way for greenhouse-grown plants, flowers, herbs, and vegetables in the spring.
In addition to a full-service greenhouse, Aunt Bee's has a wide assortment of plants and fresh flowers with experienced designers doing the arrangements.
"The business wouldn't have happened if Denise and Rhonda hadn't signed up," she said.
Referring to Denise Matz and Rhonda Schinnerer, the two women bring nearly 65 years of experience to the business. Both have been working with floral design and plants since high school.
Flowers are available to the business seven days a week, if need be, and typically they have fresh flowers delivered twice a week.
Gift items also are available — from vases to wall hangings to picture frames and other home decorations.
"I try to carry a variety of affordable gift items," Youk said, and is particularly targeting gifts for men.
"There aren't too many places to purchase items for men," she said.
Some of the gift items in her shop are ones shoppers won't find anywhere else in town. Youk keeps her eye out for new and interesting items for the discriminating customer.
Customer service is important which includes delivery.
"We've delivered potting soil and planters," Youk said, as well as the customary floral arrangements and plants
A Fertilome dealer, Aunt Bee's offers lawn chemicals, grass seed, and other items for lawn and plants, and landscape edging, mulch, and compost.
Youk is particularly appreciative of husband Justin and Art Stroda of Brunner Construction, her mother's company, who made necessary repairs to the building before the business opened.
This winter, Youk plans to make more improvements and eventually may expand the greenhouse.
With her first prom under her belt and preparing for the next round of holidays, weddings, and funerals, Youk is excited and confident her homegrown business will continue to flourish.
