Ella Flora Weddings and Floral Design

We are a floral and unique gift shop based in Rossford, primarily specializing in weddings and events. We also offer floral subscriptions, deliveries, workshops and more! I've been in floral design for 9 years.

I love being creative nearly every day. It's so fun and rewarding to take flowers and put together unique shapes and designs. Getting to know our wedding clients is another amazing part of my job. It means so much that they trust me to play a part in their day. Seeing a happy bride and/or groom on their special day never gets old. On the same note, it's been lovely getting to know our retail clients who become repeat customers.

My background is a little different! I have a degree in journalism from Ohio University. Prior to becoming a florist, I worked in communications and then as an editor/writer at a local newspaper. The paper did a wedding guide a few times a year, and I got to interview Heather who owned La Boutique Nostalgie. She was a specialty wedding designer/planner/florist. I thought what she did was so cool and asked if I could work for her on weekends. I did, and fell in love with the events. I eventually left journalism to pursue floral design. Since then, I took several workshops and educational opportunities. I moved my way up in the business and became the manager. I ended up buying the business and rebranding to Ella Flora a few years later. I shifted the aim from planning/design to focusing on floral, specifically in a romantic, whimsical style. Last year, we opened our first retail spot (301 Superior, Rossford) and expanding our offerings!

To trust yourself and your gut! Your clients hire you or seek out your product for a reason. Your style and way of doing business is what sets you a part, so have faith in it, and don't compare yourself to others.

In 2020 when events shut down, everyone in our industry was nervous and afraid. About half of our events moved to the following year. It was important to be flexible and work with clients because they were also going through a tough time (weren't we all?!). I ended up bonding with them and getting to know my lovely clients better throughout the process. We also added on floral delivery subscriptions during the height of the pandemic. Subscribers received fresh flowers in their home or business every other week. We were all staying home more so everyone wanted fresh flowers to beautify their space -- so it was well-received! 2020 taught me the importance of being flexible and trying new ideas when times are tough.