Small-town spirit and a willingness to lend a helping hand led to Summerland’s newest flower shop, Bella Vita Flowers at 10122A Main Street.
“It all started when I was getting my hair done at Tone’s Beauty Salon by Michelle. She told me the elderly couple who owned Martin’s Flowers just around the corner could use some help,” said Colleen Statt.
With experience in the flower industry in Alberta, Statt’s offer to help the couple was welcomed with open arms. Eventually, she helped with the closing of the store by arranging for the sale of the existing stock.
The response to the sale was phenomenal, Statt recalled. Within a few hours, a steady stream of customers bought everything in the shop. “The owners didn’t lose anything,” Statt said.
When the gentleman of the couple later passed away, Statt decided she wanted to buy the store.
“I hadn’t planned on continuing in the floral business when we moved to Summerland. I’d been in it for a long time and it takes away from family time,” Statt said. She and her husband, Graham Statt, moved to from Alberta in early 2021 when he assumed the duties of chief administrative officer for the District of Summerland.
“My husband does the work. I do the fun,” said Statt, whose upbeat attitude permeates Bella Vita.
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