Sara Canfield is the ‘Old Soul’ behind Chino Valley’s young floral shop.
This motivated her to go to the Las Vegas Floral Design School and take other floral design classes. “The floral design school taught me how to properly price arrangements and use color theory as well as the principles and elements of design,” she said.
Last month, she experienced a dream realized with the grand opening of her Old Soul Floral in Chino Valley. A number of local residents came out to help her celebrate on July 8, as well as local dignitaries, including Lorette Brashear from the Chino Valley Chamber of Commerce, Sheri Heiney from the Prescott Chamber of Commerce, Wade Searle from U.S. Rep. Paul Gosar’s office and Lisa West from New Life CPR. Realtor Peter Medal served as emcee for the ribbon cutting ceremony.
Searle presented Canfield with a certificate of appreciation for investing in the community. Local business leaders praised Canfield for her perseverance and welcomed her to the community.
“I wish [the business] nothing but success,” said Brashear. “The floral shop is rustic and cute because they have different arrangements and styles for any occasion.”
The Prescott Regulators and Shady Ladies, who dress in regalia from the 1800s, added some color and character to the ribbon cutting event.
Canfield is certified through the American Institute of Floral Design and also is an Arizona Master Florist. The pandemic nudged her in the direction of her talents and education when her job with a travel tour company ended in March 2020. “We had tours in Europe and Asia where the pandemic started.”
The Prescott resident used the time off to follow her passion for flowers and jumped at the chance to create a flower shop when she found building space on Highway 89 amidst the rapidly growing area.
Old Soul Floral specializes in the free-flowing style of European design. “It uses nature as inspiration.”
Canfield says she enjoys creating custom floral displays for weddings, events and holidays. “Each arrangement is different,” she said. “When I am designing, my mind blocks out everything else and it is all about the flowers, colors, and how they fit together.”
The flower shop offers gifts as well, including purses, candles, soaps, jewelry, t-shirts and cards.
“I invite people to come by to see what we have!” QCBN
By Stan Bindell, QCBN
Old Soul Floral is located at 1174 St. Rt 89, Unit #1, in Chino Valley. For more information, call 928-636-3789.