New florist shop is dream come true
By Laura Collins
Published in News on July 5, 2009 9:11 AM
A vibrant wreath with multi-colored flowers decorates the door of a quaint floral shop on Old Smithfield Road.
The grand opening of Around the Corner Flower Shop on June 29 was a 17-year dream come true for owner Susan Kornegay.
"It's just something that I've always wanted to do and I decided it was time," she said.
Kornegay said having a knack for floral design runs in her family.
"It's a genetic trait that we've carried down for the past four generations," she said. "My mother kind of had a hand in teaching us as we were growing up. And our great-grandad started a florist."
Kornegay said when it comes to flowers and arrangements, her store offers anything and everything for weddings, birthdays, funerals and "just because."
Previously, Kornegay has worked out of her home as a florist for weddings and other occasions. She said people appreciate her work because of her unique style.
"My style is a little bit different than everybody else's. It's something that I enjoy doing and I put a lot of pride in my work," she said. "When someone walks in and sees the wreaths that I've put out I want them to say, 'That is gorgeous.' I don't want them to think it's just the usual. Being unique and giving a little character to things kind of adds a little bit more to it."
Opening the store has been a family effort. Kornegay and her husband built all the furniture in the store, including the front desk, tables and chairs. He also designed and painted the sign for the store. Kornegay's sister, Lisa Taylor, works as the bookkeeper for the shop.
Both Kornegay and Taylor said the atmosphere in the store is like walking into a friend's house.
"You walk through the door and you get a 'Hi!' or a 'Hey there,'" Kornegay said.
Lynette Bryan, one of the store's first customers, considers herself a flower enthusiast. Bryan said she liked the arrangement she bought and would recommend the store to others.
"I love it," she said. "It's pretty and I just love the flowers. It's springy, summery and pink -- beautiful colors."
Kornegay said the prices vary at the store. Most of the arrangements start at $20 and can go up from there. She also sells novelties, including bracelets, and plans to branch out into gift baskets.
Around the Corner Flower Shop, 1024 Old Smithfield Road, is open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday, and from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday. The store is closed Sundays. For more information call 736-3400.