Longtime floral business still coming up roses
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Janet Johns discovered her love for flowers while growing up near Rose Valley Lake and turned that passion into a business.
For the past 37 years, she has owned and operated Janet's Floral Creations, Williamsport.
"I didn't know what I wanted to do growing up other than being outside and around nature," she said. "And, of course, I loved horses."
She did know she liked the flowers her late mother, Edith, grew in her flower garden and the daisies and dandelions that seemed to magically sprout from the ground every year.
Edith had an idea of selling art crafts kits, while Janet wanted to have a flower business.
Janet's idea was to sell flowers on driftwood and wood products her father and brothers made.
And so, the two combined their two passions and started a partnership.
"We bought this on a shoestring budget," Janet said as she sat in the front room of the business at 1718 Four Mile Drive.
Like many budding entrepreneurs Janet and her mother put in many long hours to get the business established.
Money was tight and Janet also worked at K-Mart evenings and weekends to bring in more income.
"I was brought up in a hardworking Christian family," she said.
The business grew and eventually focused on floral sales.
"People love our lilies," she said. "We sell sunflowers all year."
The shop also sells its share of carnations, mums, and daisies.
"There are some gifts, novelty containers and mugs," she said.
She gives much credit to her staff of creative floral arrangers and other employees for making the business successfully operate.
Janet has seen how the floral business has changed over the years, but what has remained the same is her passion for putting out a good product and satisfying her customers.
The Internet changed things," she said. "We have a tremendous online service."
One of her goals, she said, is to update the website for more of the custom-design products.
The shop is open Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Saturdays 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Daily deliveries are made until 5 o'clock.
"We do a lot of weddings and funerals," Janet said.
A focus is creating beautiful weddings and sympathy bouquets.
Valentine's Day and Mother's Day are the two busiest times for the business.
Like many business owners, the COVID-19 pandemic posed real challenges for Janet.
The shop was forced to shut down for several months, and the challenge of obtaining supplies and materials also hit the business.
"After COVID, we shortened our hours," she said.
But like many entrepreneurs, she has grown used to the pendulum swings of running a business.
After all, owning a business means putting in the work and focusing on the overall great task at hand.
Her advice to budding business owners?
"Be willing to work long hours and give up your weekends and dedicate yourself to your goals," she said.
She feels her passion, hard work ethic, and religious faith have been the keys to growing and sustaining a business for so long.
Janet said it the floral business is fun and rewarding.
"We just want to keep providing a good service to people," she said.
At this point, she has no thoughts of retirement and giving up her passion.
"One of my goals is to make it to that 50th year anniversary," she said.