To thrive as a small business in a small city, being an all-seasons operation helps.
That’s the case with Evans Flowers, which has a product for all occasions.
For 60 years, the Orillia shop has provided a splash of colour to help customers mark various moments — the joy of childbirth, the pride of graduation, the celebration of marriage, the grieving of death.
“I’m very fortunate that people trust us with that,” said Sandra Wink, who owns the shop at the corner of West Street and Coldwater Road.
Sandra took over the business from her parents, Jerry and Marian Wink, who purchased it from original owners Fred and Pat Evans in 1973.
Jerry was a district human resources manager for Dominion Stores in Toronto when he and Marian decided it was time for a change.
“We wanted to be in business for ourselves rather than for someone else,” Jerry said.
With his business background and Marian’s floral experience, they figured it was a sound investment.
“Also, we were looking for a smaller community,” Marian said. “We had two children and we wanted to settle down.”
Decades later, Evans Flowers remains a go-to spot for many in the area. Jerry and Marian became involved in the community when they moved here, and those connections helped the business.
“Community has a lot to do with it,” Marian said.
Passion does, too, and that’s what Sandra brings to the table.
While in high school, she attended summer courses offered by Flowers Canada. She continued working as a florist while attending university in Ottawa.
When she moved back to Orillia in the mid-’90s, she was excited to get to work at her parents’ shop. It’s a job she enjoys now as much as she did then.
“It’s the creative aspect of it. I get to express somebody’s sentiment with flowers,” she said. “It’s the personal touch.”
The business comes with its challenges, though.
“Right now, it’s online shopping,” Sandra said, but assured all of the orders placed, whether online or in person, are designed in store.
It’s also difficult to find trained florists, she said, but Evans Flowers has managed to employ eight people.
“It’s not a great-paying industry, it’s hard work and it’s stressful,” she said, noting one has to be passionate about it.
Despite the challenges, Sandra sees a rosy future for Evans Flowers.
“As long as the community support is there, businesses will remain,” she said. “The box stores have taken from every industry, but it’s the quality of service and the product that I offer that I hope continues to shine through.”
According to her parents, the business is in good hands.
“As parents and former owners, we’re very proud of the role Sandy has assumed and her growing the business,” Jerry said.
Sandra thanked the community for its support over the years.
“I cannot be more grateful. Let’s hope for another 60 years,” she said.
To mark the milestone, Evans Flowers will be donating a portion of its November sales to Mariposa House Hospice. Certain amounts will be donated for purchases of both more and less than $60.
It’s a cause Sandra is happy to support.
“It’s something that this community needs,” she said. “The last stage of life has touched all of us. Having a place where someone can go with their family in the community is important.”
The business will also be offering weekly giveaways and prizes in store and on its social media platforms.
For more information about Evans Flowers, call 705-325-2719, visit its website or stop in at the shop at 47 West St. N.
