Sandra Wink was literally born into the flower business, but it was her choice to make it her career.
The owner of Evans Flowers is organizing several events with giveaways to celebrate the 65th anniversary of the Orillia business.
Evans Flowers opened its doors in November 1959 at the corner of Front and Colborne streets. The original owners, Fred and Pat Evans, later moved the business to 47 West St. N. on the corner of Coldwater Road, where it remains today.
In 1973, Jerry and Marian Wink bought the business.
"They took the leap with a young family, purchased the business and lived above the store," said Sandra Wink.
"I grew up in the business. I was born into it."
When she graduated high school, her parents approached her with the idea of taking over the business, but she wanted to explore.
"I went travelling for a year and went to university, and within a week of being in university, I was working in a flower shop. I just couldn't get it out of my blood. It's something I've always loved and still do to this day," she said.
“There’s not too many jobs where you go into work every day and still love what you do, which I do."
Wink has been at the helm of the business for almost 25 years and she has no plans to retire. In fact, her mother, who is 74, still comes back at busy times to help out.
"She'll even fly home from Florida" to help with the Valentine's Day rush, Wink said. "She loves seeing customers and helping in the store."
Wink's older brother, Bob, ran Windmill Garden Centre and Landscaping on Highway 11 in Oro-Medonte for many years. He's now sold the business and retired.
Evans Flowers has third-generation customers, with grandchildren buying flowers for their grandparents, Wink said.
"Honestly, this town has supported us all this time. I love being a part of the community and being involved in all aspects of customers' lives. We see everything from birthdays, anniversaries, new babies and, unfortunately, bereavement, but still, if we get trusted to do those flowers, it's an honour for us," she said.
For the 65th anniversary, Wink has set up celebrations on 'Thankful Thursdays.' On Nov. 7, bouquets of free carnations were given to the first 65 customers who came into the store.
On Nov. 14, Evan's Flowers will be 'Painting the Town Pink' by randomly giving away 65 posies to businesses and organizations across the city as a thank-you for the community's support. On Nov. 21, the store is offering a 50 per cent off sale.
On Nov. 28, there will be an in-store celebration with cake and refreshments at 11 a.m. The store will be making donation to a couple of local charities. And on Evans Flowers' Facebook and Instagram pages, it will be giving away five $65 gift certificates.
Evans Flowers believes in giving back. Over the years, it has supported Mariposa House Hospice, Orillia Soldiers' Memorial Hospital and the Kiwanis Club of Orillia, to name a few.
Wink said she also tries to support other businesses in Ontario as much as possible. Flowers including Gerbera daisies and Alstroemeria (Peruvian lily) are greenhouse grown in Niagara and Mississauga.
"Our suppliers have supported us through all the years and we like to support them," Wink said.
The shop has prided itself on the wide variety of flower species it brings into the store daily so customers get the freshest, most interesting flowers, designed by her experienced floral designers.
Flowers are the store's No. 1 seller, but the shop also sells tropical plants, planters, home decor, candles, soaps, chocolate, gift cards and more.
Store hours are Tuesday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
More information can be found at evansflowers.on.ca, by emailing [email protected] or calling 705-325-2719 or 1-800-319-9519.
