In Bloom

Crafting Enchanting Flower Arrangements in the Peace

Enchanted Florist | Peace River, AB

When you step into Enchanted Florist in Peace River, you will likely be welcomed in with a hello and a big smile from Chivaun Desaulniers, her husband Dave or her daughter Arianna.

The family-run shop in downtown Peace River offers beautifully crafted floral arrangements as well as a selection of curated, seasonal giftware and live plants.

“We have fresh flowers, plants, home décor and giftware,” said Desaulniers, “It’s a little bit of everything.”

Desaulniers grew up appreciating the many plants around her home as well as the flowers in the garden. So, in hindsight, it is no surprise she naturally gravitated to floral design when the time was right in her life.

“Plants and flowers have always been a part of my life,” said Desaulniers. “It’s been a good way for me to be artistic and still have a viable business.”

Desaulniers often finds inspiration in the process itself, from colours to containers. If she feels drawn to it she will follow her instincts, so all her arrangements are one of a kind.

“Usually, it’s something small that sparks an idea. We don’t have specific formulas unless we are doing something more traditional,” said Desaulniers. “I just go with that little spark and let it lead me.”

A large part of the business at Enchanted Florist is custom orders.

“For everyday custom orders, we ask clients for any specific colours, flowers or feelings they might have in mind for their arrangements,” said Desaulniers. “For bigger events, we ask clients to give us about six weeks notice if possible, so we can source large volumes and ensure everything comes in fresh at the right time.”

Enchanted Florist also offers both ready-made and custom gift baskets.

“I shop local for our gift baskets, and I always try to have a few ready to go in the store at any time,” said Desaulniers.

Running a small business comes with a variety of challenges.

“The biggest challenge I have found is advertising,” said Desaulniers. “I’ve tried radio ads, social media, and I always try to stay involved in the community.”

Enchanted Florist often does a monthly shout out to another local business with a gifted floral arrangement.

“We still get people who stop in and say they didn’t even know we were here,” said Desaulniers. “So, we’re still working to get our name out there.”

Being up north, another challenge for Desaulniers and her family is shipping. Few places offer heated shipping in the winter. There is always a risk her flowers will die if it is too hot or too cold.

“There are not a lot of options up here, but Cold Shot has been fantastic,” said Desaulniers. “Even with them, when it is -40 degrees we can’t get flowers that week.”

However, as the weather gets chillier and Christmas nears, Desaulniers gets excited to start on custom holiday centrepieces and giftable arrangements. The whole family loves helping people find the perfect gifts.

“Typical arrangements start at about $50, but of course we can do bigger or smaller ones depending on your needs,” said Desaulniers. “People are always welcome to bring in their favourite vases or containers for me to arrange with.”

Enchanted Florist has a variety of ever-changing gift options in store. They sell items from beloved local vendors as well as things not found anywhere else in town.

“I also carry a nice memorial section and always try to switch things up each season,” said Desaulniers.

As for future plans, Desaulniers says she wants to keep doing what she loves.

“I love our little shop and being able to connect with people,” said Desaulniers “I don’t have big expansion plans, I’m really happy with where I am at.”

To anyone interested in pursuing their creative passion, Desaulniers has simple advice.

“Just keep going. Even if it’s something little, keep going,” said Desaulniers. “I started with a random floral design class. Then, a position opened. Then, I ended up opening my own shop.”

You can shop Enchanted Florist in person at 9607 100 Street, Peace River and on their website at www.anenchantedflorist.ca

By Siobhan Kennedy | Photography by Tyrell Parenteau and Submitted