by Max Marbut
Staff Writer
It’s been quite a while since you could walk into a store Downtown and be surrounded by the fragrance of fresh flowers. That changed this week with the opening of Zoe Lynn’s, the new florist at the AT&T Building.
Owner Heather Monroe has a background in the flower trade Downtown. She was the manager for LaMee The Florist when the local petal vendor operated the shop where Zoe Lynn’s is now. When LaMee moved out, Monroe stayed in the building and took a job at Confetti’s, the breakfast and lunch spot on the other end of the lobby.
“I spent four years pouring coffee and serving doughnuts. I also got the chance to get to know about 2,000 people who work in the building every day,” said Monroe. She hasn’t given up her early morning job, she added. Monroe is behind the counter at Confetti’s from 5 a.m. until she opens Zoe Lynn’s at 9 a.m.
Being Downtown’s only florist paid off the first day the shop opened.
“We had three deliveries in the building Monday and several more orders placed for later this week,” said Monroe.
The full-service shop’s offerings range from simple flower arrangements to complete floral services for weddings, retirement parties and other functions. In addition to fresh flowers, Monroe also creates silk arrangements and other decorations.
“We can cover everything from ‘happy birthday’ or ‘happy anniversary’ to ‘I apologize’ or ‘please forgive me,’” said Monroe.
When asked what appealed to her about a career in the floral industry, Monroe said she grew up in her mother’s flower shop. She also recalled a day early in her career that made clear the power of flowers.
“There was a funeral and a wedding on the same weekend. When I delivered the flowers to the funeral, the father of the five-year-old boy who had passed away hugged me. Later, I was hugged by the bride at the wedding. It’s a cycle from birth to death. Flowers are a part of our lives,” she said.
“There’s always a demand for flowers and I’m excited to give Downtown back an option that hasn’t been available,” said Monroe.
Zoe Lynn’s is open 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Friday. Orders placed by noon can be picked up by 4 p.m. and Monroe said she’ll deliver flowers and plants to Downtown addresses. She’s taking orders now for Thanksgiving and Christmas arrangements and is preparing for Valentine’s Day.
“Bring it on,” said Monroe.
356-2466