Last fall, Janine’s Floral Creations celebrated a significant milestone—its 25th anniversary. From its humble beginnings to becoming a staple in the community, this family-owned floral business has grown and flourished in ways that could only be achieved through hard work, dedication, and a deep passion for flowers and design. We sat down with Janine and her daughter, Suzanne, to reflect on the journey, the challenges they’ve overcome, and what the future holds for this beloved shop.
Janine (left) and Suzanne, a mother-daughter small business duo.
A Passion for Flowers, Rooted in Experience
For Janine, the path into the floral industry started long before she opened her own shop. At just 15 years old, Janine began working at a flower shop in Greenville, a job that would shape her future. “I worked there for 19 years, learning everything from the ground up,” she recalls. Her commitment led her to attend Cobleskill College for floral design. With additional mentorship from her employer’s lead designer, she honed the skills that would later guide her to open Janine’s Floral Creations.
“The creativity and artistry of floral design really drew me in,” says Janine. “It’s a profession where every day is different, and the ability to create something beautiful for others is incredibly fulfilling.”
A Daughter’s Unexpected Journey
Suzanne, Janine’s daughter, never planned to work in the floral industry. “When my mom started the shop, I was just a kid, and honestly, I never saw this as a career for myself,” Suzanne admits. “I saw all the struggles my mom faced as a small business owner, and I thought, ‘This is not the life for me.’”
However, when Suzanne needed a job, she came back to help her mother. She worked in the shop through her teenage years, eventually leaving town to earn a degree in Human Services. Yet, as life unfolded, Suzanne returned to the family business—and what she once resisted, she now embraces fully. “Over time, I came to appreciate the true value of what my mom had built,” she says. “I love the creative side of this work now. I also see how strong and independent my mom is, and I want to carry that forward.”
A Strong Partnership: Mother and Daughter
One of the most rewarding aspects of running Janine’s Floral Creations for Janine has been watching her daughter grow both personally and professionally. “Suzanne has always had the talent for this work, but what really makes me proud is seeing her evolve. She’s constantly learning new styles and techniques, attending workshops, and expanding her creativity,” says Janine. “It’s also been incredible to watch her grow as a mother and businesswoman. She’s a role model for so many.”
Suzanne echoes her mom’s sentiments: “It’s great working with my mom because we are so alike. We have a great dynamic, and I love that we can bounce ideas off each other. She’s always encouraging me to keep learning and improve. It’s nice to have two generations of floral design working together.”
The Future of Janine’s Floral Creations
Looking ahead, Janine hopes to continue serving the community for many years to come. “We’ve made some updates to our space recently, and we plan to keep growing right here at 2447 US RT 9W,” she says. “We’ve been in this building for almost 24 years, and we’re proud to be part of this community. We’ve faced challenges, but we’re still here, and we hope to stay here for a long time.”
The Challenges of Running a Floral Business
Owning a small business in a rural area is never without its difficulties and running a floral shop is no exception. “We’re in a rural area, which makes it difficult to grow our customer base,” says Janine. “There are also local ‘pop-up farms’ and grocery stores that sell flowers at lower prices, but they often can’t compare to the freshness and quality of what we provide.”
Janine explains that, unlike larger retailers, they receive fresh floral deliveries daily and take great care in ensuring that every arrangement is top-notch. “Grocery store flowers often sit out for days, and by the time they reach the customer, they’re already aging,” she says. “We pride ourselves on offering only the freshest flowers. Our small-scale approach means we pay attention to every detail.”
Another challenge they face is educating the community about the pitfalls of ordering flowers through large online networks like 1-800-Flowers and others. “These companies are mostly call centers based overseas, and they often deceive customers into thinking they’re ordering from a local florist,” explains Suzanne. “The florist may only receive a fraction of what the customer paid, and the arrangement may not even be what they ordered. It’s a huge issue in the industry, and we work hard to combat it.”
A Bright Future Ahead
Despite the hurdles, Janine’s Floral Creations remains a shining example of what small businesses can achieve with passion and perseverance. Whether it’s creating custom bouquets for special occasions or offering creative floral designs for weddings, the team at Janine’s continues to delight customers with their expertise and personalized service.
They also offer small, in-store workshops where they provide all the supplies and help customers work their way through a small craft such as a wreath or centerpiece. In recent years the shop has also spread awareness that while their business is floral focused – they are so much more than that. Janine’s Floral Creations also sells gifts, candles, a gorgeous greeting card line, sympathy collections, plants, jewelry, pocketbooks and so much more.
“We’ve come a long way, and we’re incredibly grateful for all the support from our customers and the community,” says Suzanne. “Here’s to the next 25 years!”
If you’re in need of beautiful blooms, a personalized floral arrangement, or just want to stop by and wish Janine and Suzanne a happy anniversary, stop by Janine’s Floral Creations. They’re not just a business—they’re a family that has grown alongside their community.
Janine’s Floral Creations, 2447 US RT 9W, has been proudly serving the local area for 25 years. Stop by today to experience the passion and artistry that have made them a local favorite for floral design.
Author: Rebecca Flach
I'm passionate about Ravena Coeymans Selkirk and believe these communities are poised for great things. I'm a founding member of the RCS Community Business Association. I also manage Hope Full Life Center Inc., a local charity. I'm a mom, avid gardener and audiobook fanatic.
