|
 Wild
Petals owned by Lindsay McCloughan is not new to Lincoln, just new
to the heart of the city. She originally opened her plant shop on
Keokuk Street but was pleased to have an opportunity to move to the
downtown area, taking up the space formerly occupied by Dali Bliss.
Sommer Henrikson is new to Lincoln, but not new to her business. She
has been operating Jerzi Rea’s in Williamsville for some time now,
and is now opening a second store by the same name in Lincoln.
McCloughan and Henrikson are friends who met a few years ago while
both were involved in another franchised home based business format.
Henrickson went on to open Jerzi Rea’s and McCloughan opened Wild
Petals. Now the two are combining their businesses in one location
with the hope that the heart of the city as well as the diversity of
their offerings will increase the foot traffic for both businesses.
Wild Petals will continue to offer a wide variety of potted plants,
fresh cut flowers and home décor items. Jerzi Rae’s brings to the
mix a variety of women’s clothing and accessories from jewelry to
handbags and much more. On Saturday, the two
were joined behind the ribbon by family members including
McCloughan’s husband Nick and son Drake plus her father and brother
Mike Cawley and Matt Cawley. Standing with Henrickson were her
family members Mike, Weston and Emerson.
Others joining the business owners behind the ribbon included
Lincoln Mayor Tracy Welch, Aldermen Kevin Bateman and David Sanders
and Lincoln City Clerk Peggy Bateman.
Karen Castelein and Rich and Nila Smith with Lincoln Daily News
assisted with the ribbon cut.
The event began with an acknowledgement of those who
had come to witness the ceremony and welcome the two businesses to
the heart of the city. It was mentioned that while neither business
is new, both are new to the heart of Lincoln and are looking forward
to being a part of a thriving downtown community.
Mayor Welch was asked to say a few words and he
reiterated that Lincoln does have a thriving downtown that is
growing and improving continually, due in no small part to business
people like McCloughan and Henrickson who see the potential. He
thanked the new business owners for coming to the downtown area.
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Alderman Kevin Bateman also spoke, saying he had
attended the first ribbon cut for Wild Petals which had been early
this year. He said that was a nice event, and that McCloughan had a
nice shop on Keokuk and he had been happy to welcome her to that
community. However, he said that old shop was not in his ward, and
this new one is, so he is especially excited to see McCloughan and
Henrickson move to the downtown area.
The business owners were invited to speak, and both
kept their comments very brief, expressing appreciation to all those
who were on hand for their grand opening, and saying they were happy
to be in their new location.
The group was then asked to stand for the posed
picture and then at the end of the countdown, McClough and
Henrickson snipped the ribbon on their new location.
The day was also their official grand opening with a food truck
outside and special events going on inside.
The new shop for Wild Petals and Jerzi Rae’s will be open 10 a.m. to
5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. ion Saturday and
closed on Sunday and Monday. [Nila Smith]
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