Shannon Holicky, a longtime educator from the Tri-City United High School, acquired Le Center Floral in June, marking a significant transition for the local business. Holicky, a native of the Le Center community, is now cultivating her skills in floral arrangement and entrepreneurship, taking over from Jennifer Smisek, who owned the shop for nearly three decades.
The change in ownership comes after Smisek decided to sell the business in January 2024, citing the physical demands of the work and a desire for more free time. Smisek, who purchased Le Center Floral after completing floral school, had overseen its growth, expanding its delivery area beyond Le Center to include communities such as Le Sueur, St. Peter, Lonsdale, Montgomery, New Prague, and Kilkenny. However, the increased business also meant a demanding and unpredictable schedule, with reliable part-time help proving difficult to find.
Holicky, who spent over 20 years in education, most recently as a math teacher, did not have formal floral training before this venture. She expressed a long-held interest in owning a business in her hometown, driven by a sense of community pride and an appreciation for the social aspect of local commerce. She noted the desire to be present for people during both joyful and challenging times.
For the past two months, Holicky has been working alongside Smisek, undergoing intensive training in floral design techniques and the operational details of running a storefront. She has quickly developed an appreciation for the artistry involved in crafting unique floral arrangements, finding joy in the process of pairing colors and discovering the inherent beauty in flowers.
The transition period is expected to conclude in late November, during which Smisek will continue to work part-time to ensure the shop maintains its quality standards. Holicky aims to uphold Le Center Floral’s legacy of providing high-quality floral arrangements and a diverse selection of gifts to community members, allowing them to find what they need without leaving town.
