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The secret is in the mix, and if it seems organic, it’s because the business has evolved from the talents, passions and marketing savvy of principal, Zeb Grant.
Find Ways to Grow
An interior designer also drawn to retail, Grant seized an opportunity to open his first studio/store in Lake Oconee, Ga. The resort destination had a variety of customers and a shortage of interior designers or florists. His design studio also sold home accessories, lighting and gifts. “I added a cooler in front of the store of grab-and-go arrangements because I had always loved florals,” says Grant. Floral design and event planning would grow to be a mainstay of his business.
Today, he serves clients in North Georgia and Atlanta, as well as visitors to the historic city of Madison from his 25,000 square-foot location on the main square. People come in for expert advice
on planning and staging a wedding, and are intrigued by the mix of home décor, antiques, art works and books, luxury fashion accessories, seasonal decor and faux and fresh florals.
Having a variety of products and curating them with a
design eye draws people in and keeps them coming back. The knowledgeable staff can answer questions or offer design or floral advice. “It’s been a team effort to grow the business,” says Grant. “And it didn’t happen overnight.”
Learn What Matters to Customers
The installation of new furnishings in a client’s home, seeing a bride’s vision come to life and having customers enjoy his shop and return give Grant equal satisfaction. All of it comes from establishing a relationship with people and listening to their needs. Years ago, hearing that upscale disposable guest hand towels were hard to find in the Lake Oconee area, he began to buy
them in bulk and re-package them for his shop. “They flew off the shelves,” he says. Seeing that vacation homeowners weren’t always around to water plants led him to explore high-end faux florals from NAPA Home and Garden and Winward International at AmericasMart to bring color and nature into their rooms.
“I love talking to people, providing them with fresh flower or a design solution, whether it’s an antique or a new painting from a local artist. Someone will email me a picture of a blank space and ask what I’d put in it,” he says. His intention is never to just be a store or a florist. “We aim to create an experience for any and all seasons.” >
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