Since May, Lisa Pritchett and her staff at Dandelions Flowers and Gifts have provided 57 brides with their wedding floral arrangements.
Pritchett said receives her greatest satisfaction when working with weddings and events.
"We want our joy to be reflected in the bride," she said. "We have lots of brides come back and tell us how grateful they are for our work and how much it was enjoyed."
Located at 120 S. Walnut St., Pritchett described Dandelions as a fun and eclectic place.
The shop offers 75-85 varieties of flowers to its customers. While she carries some Muncie-grown flowers, Pritchett has flowers sent in from around the world.
"We have flowers that come in from South America and Holland, [which is] the biggest producer of flowers in the world," she said.
At Dandelions, Pritchett said most of the flowers are tropical, colorful and artistic. She said there are also some exotic flowers but no matter what kind of flower, the staff attempts artistic arrangements with all of the flowers.
"I love when a customer comes in, looks at our flower coolers, and comments on our variety or asks what a certain flower is," Pritchett said.
SECOND GENERATION
The family-owned business has been a part of the Muncie community for over 40 years. Pritchett is the second-generation owner of Dandelions. Her father opened the original shop, which was located in the University Village under the name Gordan's Flowers.
"When my dad first opened the shop, the shop was about 90 percent flowers. Now, the shop is about 60 percent flowers and 40 percent gifts," Pritchett said.
In 2002, Pritchett moved the shop to its current location in Downtown Muncie.
"We moved to Downtown Muncie because we needed the space," she said. "I changed the name and added a bigger selection of gifts as a way for me to put my own stamp on the shop."
At Dandelions, the quality of the products and customer service are the most important business aspects. Pritchett said those qualities are equally essential and she and the staff strive for success with both.
"It used to be when you wanted flowers, you went to a flower shop to get them," she said. "Now, you can buy them anywhere — a grocery store and even a gas station. We have to offer the best service for our customers. Flowers are a luxury item. No one has to have them, but when someone does want them, they need to be top quality. I wouldn't sell something that I wouldn't put in my own house."
KEEPING UP WITH TRENDS
Lee Ann Symmes has worked at Dandelions for five years as the head floral designer. She said she loves being in the floral business and that Dandelions is a great environment to work in.
"We like to keep things trendy and funky, but we can still do traditional work," she said.
Dandelions hasn't just limited itself to floral arrangements; it also sells gifts for any occasion. They carry items such as lotions, candles and cookbooks, and their stock changes frequently.
"We try hard to purchase from small start-up companies and individual artists," Symmes said. "We strive to find hand-crafted products. You're not going to see our products in a department store."
Symmes said that Dandelions is an ever-changing shop and that they are always changing to keep up with the trends.
"We really relate to the shop. We carry things we love, enjoy, find trendy and such," she said. "When you do things with love in mind, it carries over."
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