Megan Wright said she had some obstacles to overcome before opening, but she’s just happy to be operating Wild Iris in her new space at 629 North Central Street. She said between the city’s switchover to a new permitting system presented a delay, along with the holidays. Learning that her HVAC didn’t work was the cherry on top. She laughed as she recounted the journey to opening her new location.
She’s got the shop up-and-running and says business is steadily growing. She had bigger crowds at First Friday on their opening night than she expected and thinks that bodes well for future events. She said people expressed great interest in classes and workshops. She said people expressed support for having a florist closer to downtown.
She’s seen an increase in online articles, including some from new customers. She also has a more comfortable and efficient space to work in (as opposed to her basement where she worked before). Her first day, she opened for First Friday at 5:00 pm, “I had a fifty-table event that I had to deliver at 2:00 pm . . . I saw a huge difference. I could have pulled it off out of my basement, but it would have taken me five times as long. I’ve noticed an increase in what I’m able to do and my efficiency.”
The space includes retail in the front, a work area to the rear and a room to the side perfect for small meetings, or gatherings of any sort. She’ll be offering classes and events there, but the space is also available for rent to others who wish to host a small event. She welcomes orders and walk-ins.
Just as is the case with her flowers, the retail items are available for delivery, including teas, candles, vases, cups, cards, plants, and more. Some products are online, but some are unique and you’ll have to come to the store to see it all. She said more plants will be online as she learns which plants she can reliably source. She’s also got seasonal greenery (like the one I bought!).
She has one class currently available, though it’s more of a fun activity. The Cookie Decorating Party will be offered from noon to 5:00 pm on Saturday, December 17, and tickets are available at the link. You’ll find Christmas movies, decorating kits from Magpies’ Bakery, great hot chocolate and more. Expect future classes on floral arrangement and other relevant topics starting early next year.
You can learn more about Wild Iris and Megan’s journey in the original article I wrote on the business. You can follow her on Facebook or Instagram, and place orders and more on the Wild Iris website. The hours have shifted a bit from her original plan and now are 11:00 am to 6:00 pm, Tuesday through Friday, and 10:00 am to 4:00 pm on Saturday. The business is closed on Sunday and Monday.