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Local Roots run deep at this Wetaskiwin floral boutique

Wetaskiwin’s Taylor Harris saw an opportunity when Local Roots came up for sale and thought to herself, this was her chance to own her own business.
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Taylor Harris has always been a supporter of local artists, artisans and businesses, and wants to inspire others in Wetaskiwin to launch their own small business. Photo courtesy City of Wetaskiwin

Wetaskiwin’s Taylor Harris saw an opportunity when Local Roots came up for sale and thought to herself, this was her chance to own her own business.

When longtime florist Dennis Pederson retired, it presented the perfect opportunity to continue the legacy he’d begun in 1967 – quality customer service and building long-term relationships, while adding her own flourish to the blossoming business.

For the interior-designer-turned-small-business-owner, that flourish is doing what she can to support local artisans, producers, creators and other entrepreneurs.

After all, it’s right in the name: Local Roots Floral & Design.

“I’ve always been a local supporter myself – if we don’t support local businesses, they won’t survive,” Taylor says. “My goal is to spread the word about our boutique and show Wetaskiwin that you can create a unique small business in our town and be successful.”

On the boutique side of the shop, featuring a wide array of women’s clothing, accessories, gift ideas for all, “and anything you just need to cheer yourself up or buy for that special someone,” Harris is proud to showcase talented local vendors and artisans.

“We support vendors in and around the Wetaskiwin area, and what we can’t get locally, is sourced within Canada.”

Even on the floral side, her blooms and greenery are largely grown in neighbouring B.C., with a few unique imported blooms that can’t be found elsewhere. That short journey from grower to florist ensures flowers are fresh, and will last longer when they reach you. Taylor and her staff are passionate and devoted in expressing the personalities and sensibilities of their customers, and in doing so create and deliver the true essence of you in each one of their floral arrangements.v

Taylor embarked on her business journey on Dec. 20 last year, jumping feet-first into one of the busiest times of year for florists and retailers alike!

Approaching her one-year anniversary at the helm of Local Roots, she hasn’t looked back.

“We post daily on our Facebook, Instagram and Tiktok platforms – follow us to see the newest trends of local items and floral creations we have in store.”

Local Roots supports vendors in and around the Wetaskiwin area, and what they can’t get locally, is sourced within Canada. Photo courtesy City of Wetaskiwin
Local Roots supports vendors in and around the Wetaskiwin area, and what they can’t get locally, is sourced within Canada. Photo courtesy City of Wetaskiwin

Today, in addition to “just because” bouquets, Taylor, with florists Karen and Aliyah, are privileged to create arrangements for life’s most meaningful occasions, including weddings, funerals, anniversaries and all those other memorable milestones and events.

“I love meeting and chatting with new people and here I get to create something for people as they celebrate the special moments in their life. It’s just been so humbling and rewarding,” she says.

In fact, Taylor has had so much support from clients, the community and fellow small businesses that she urges others who see a niche to fill to follow in her footsteps.

READ MORE: Why every week should be Small Business Week in Wetaskiwin!

Support for local businesses is there, she says, especially since the pandemic, and people really want to have opportunities to spend their dollars locally on unique, quality products and services.

In her bid to support others, Taylor recently renovated the upstairs of the shop – with three tables and seating for 12, it’s ideal space to rent for things like yoga retreats, photoshoot sessions, meetings or crafting workshops.

Local Roots is excited to have a variety of coming sessions, including a dried floral arranging workshop with Wetaskiwin’s Three Little Hearts Co. and another with Wetaskiwin’s To The Moon and Back, which makes wooden signs with sayings on them.

In addition to the locals renting the space, Local Roots will also host their own workshops this holiday season. Most classes are full, a few spots remain for their Holiday Centrepiece Workshop happening Dec. 15 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Call the shop for more details and to register for this incredible workshop you won’t want to miss.

Taylor encourages others interested in hosting workshops or renting out the space to get in touch. “Please connect if you have an idea, and I’ll be here to help!”

Taylor encourages others interested in hosting workshops in the space to get in touch. “Please connect if you have an idea, and I’ll be here to help!”

Visit Local Roots Floral & Design in person at 5011-51 St. in Wetaskiwin or online at localrootsfloralanddesign.ca Email localrootsfloralanddesign@gmail.com or give them a call 780-352-4252. Taylor and the team would love to hear from you and see you in the boutique today!

To learn more about business in Wetaskiwin, visit wetaskiwin.ca/831/Invest-Wetaskiwin

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