Flower Shop Blossoms into Larger Space

She has three of them: Leo, 3, Bruno, 2, and Moo Moo, 2, named after her beloved dog that died in February 2024 and inspired the name of Huxtable’s shop. “She is living her best life since being saved from the shelter,” Huxtable said about her newly adopted Frenchie.

In addition to floral displays and home and garden items, the store is dotted generously with inventory honoring Frenchies, whose large, erect ears, flat faces, wrinkles and playful natures lend themselves to amusing depictions, as demonstrated in the shop’s best-selling Frenchie neon signs.

Just after the shop’s one-year anniversary, which Huxtable said they were too busy to celebrate, the business has rapidly become the premier florist in Prescott, she says, because of its fresh arrangements, handcrafted bouquets and reliable one-day flower delivery throughout the larger Prescott area.

In fact, the business has thrived so much it necessitated a move from its previous location on South Montezuma Street to a larger space. “We moved to a store twice the size of our original location, and it has parking!” she exclaimed. “We did not have an open house for either location but are planning something really fun that includes live music and a food truck this fall.” 

The larger location will also help realize her original goal of hosting floral classes at The Frenchie Garden. “We have way more room in this location and have at least five classes planned for the rest of the year, to include arrangements, wreath classes and petal workshops,” she said.

Huxtable and her business received some welcome exposure last September when The Frenchie Garden showcased its table arrangements as a sponsor of the Prescott Area ATHENA Leadership Awards, presented by Quad Cities Business News at Starting Point in the Pine Ridge Marketplace, and will do so again this month at this year’s event, Sept.12.

“It went well; it was a great event,” she said. “They loved our fall centerpieces. We will more than likely be providing the arrangements that incorporate plants and some neat, fun fall features.”

Helping her realize her aspirations for the shop, Huxtable said she has three employees who handle the delivery loads on a daily basis. “We have the best all-woman team, and we totally crush each day and get out several arrangements a day!”

Huxtable is no stranger to the floral industry. She learned the business from her mother, who was a florist in upstate New York for 36 years before retiring and moving to Prescott in 2023.

When Huxtable visited her mother in Prescott, she fell in love with the area.

Her mother soon moved to Reno, but her daughter moved to Prescott. “Mom is well and loving the retirement life. She will be in town this fall to host a painting class.”

Huxtable was struck by the wonderful community of locals, including the many dog lovers who she saw frequently walking their pets around town. “We have gotten so much support from the community and local business owners. We are so proud and have the best customers!”

Since moving to town, Huxtable has become more involved in the dog community and said they will be hosting adoption events at The Frenchie Garden in the upcoming month.

Along with convenient drop-in flower and plant purchases, The Frenchie Garden offers all aspects of floral service, including wire services for both traditional and contemporary bouquets. Arrangements can be ordered for all occasions, including larger events like wedding and funerals, and artificial arrangements are available, as well. Local delivery is free.

Gift items abound around the store, such as floral home décor, fresh plants, candies, succulents and, of course, a myriad of Frenchie baubles. By all measures, the floral shop has been a big success.

“We’ve seen more locals, whom we love,” she said. “We have been selling tons of energy teas, baked goods and wrapped bouquets. Don’t forget the pickles and chips and salsa as well; a huge hit! We have been working with the bar next door and collaborating on events to provide customers of both stores delicious treats and beautiful flowers for the ladies.”

In the past year, certain flowers have proven to be especially popular. “Our wildflower and designer choice bouquets are our biggest hit,” Huxtable said. “It allows us to be creative and provide our customers with something beautiful and out of the ordinary.”

A four-year U.S. Army veteran who also served two years in the National Guard, Huxtable said her military experience taught her skills she now uses in her business. “My experience as a veteran has shaped nearly every aspect of how I approach business. The military taught me discipline, resilience and adaptability – skills that are essential when running a business where no two days are the same. I learned how to lead teams under pressure, make quick yet informed decisions and remain mission-focused even when challenges arise.”

In addition, the organizational skills she developed have helped her plan efficiently and to manage multiple moving parts, and execute ideas from concept to completion.

“Most importantly, the sense of responsibility, integrity and service to others that the military ingrained in me is at the core of my business,” she said. “Just as I once served my country, I now strive to serve my community – creating something that not only supports my livelihood but also brings value and joy to those around me.” QCBN

By Betsey Bruner, QCBN

Photo by Kay Lyon: The Frenchie Garden owner Samantha Huxtable, shown here in her previous location, says the larger space will allow her to host
floral classes.