Young entrepreneur plants business in Marion
Staff writer
At an age when many of her peers are still deciding what comes after high school, 20-year-old Emilee Remmers of Lincolnville already is preparing to open her own storefront in downtown Marion.
Remmers plans to open Em’s Sprouts and Stems in the old County Seat building at 2nd and Main Sts. The store will offer houseplants, floral arrangements, décor, workshops, and plant-related events. She hopes to open toward the end of the month.
Rather than waiting years to start a business, Remmers decided shortly after graduating from Centre High School that she wanted to jump directly into floral work.
“I’m too impatient,” she said.
Remmer’s interest in plants grew out of helping in her parents’ gardens before expanding her interests through FFA and agronomy classes in high school.
“I started working at a flower shop because I just liked plants so much,” she said.
For the past year, Remmers has been building toward opening a storefront through pop-up sales and funeral arrangements while saving money and investing back into the business.
So far, she estimates she has invested roughly $20,000 into the venture, including property and equipment purchases.
Older florists she has worked with have been supportive of her entering the industry. She purchased equipment and inventory from two retiring florists and said one still helps mentor her through larger arrangements and weddings.
The Marion store will focus heavily on houseplants and interactive experiences instead of functioning solely as a traditional flower shop.
Customers will be able to build their own bouquets, attend arranging workshops, participate in plant-themed events, and seek help caring for struggling plants.
“I’m planning on having different classes and tags explaining thoroughly how to take care of plants,” Remmers said.
She also plans events such as plant bingo nights, paint-and-sip gatherings, and floral arrangement workshops.
Despite the financial risk that can come with opening a specialty retail shop in a rural community, Remmers said she never seriously considered leaving the area.
“I just like where I’m from and I like our community,” she said.
Support from Marion residents already has helped reinforce that decision.
“Everyone’s been very nice and supportive,” she said. “I’m really excited to be a part of this community.”
Behind the scenes, Remmers said, the work has involved far more than arranging flowers and caring for plants. Managing wholesalers, licensing, bookkeeping, and online sales have become part of learning how to run a business at a young age.
Remmers eventually hopes to open a greenhouse in Lincolnville, though that project remains farther off.