Published: 9/7/2023 11:56:00 AM
ORANGE — The Gelinas Company is now even more of a family business.
The longtime staple now boasts The Florist at Gelinas, offering floral design services by aunt Tillie Nutter and niece Ella Mackenzie at 241 Daniel Shays Highway (Route 202). The two started their new venture on Aug. 6, after having gained experience at a different local flower shop.
“It’s been going great,” Nutter said. “We see a lot of familiar faces.”
She said she and Mackenzie heard by word of mouth about the availability with Gelinas. Shelly St. Cyr, who is married to Gelinas Company owner Michael Gelinas, said the decision was made to add floral services because the industry ties in seamlessly with the other aspects of the small business, such as landscaping and a garden center. She noted Route 202 brings people to Boston and the Five College Consortium communities, and motorists would regularly stop in looking for graduation bouquets and other gifts.
“It’s always been a no-brainer,” St. Cyr said. “[Nutter and Mackenzie] not only do the cut arrangements but they have what they call dish gardens and house plants … and they’re bringing new stuff in that we have never been able to do. And with this new addition, we’ll be open year-round now, where we normally would have to close shop on the last day of October.”
Mackenzie, 20, said she loves seeing customers’ expressions and hearing their feedback.
“I really love being creative and learning new things. I feel like it doesn’t seem it, but you can learn a lot of new things, really, every day,” the Orange resident said. “You can express yourself through the flowers, through the pieces that you make.”
Mackenzie said she essentially followed Nutter into the floral industry three years ago.
“We both work very well together,” she said.
Nutter, 36, has been in the business 13 years and wanted to branch off on her own.
“I’ve always loved designing,” the New Salem resident said. “I’ve always been … artsy and ... I love flowers. They’re just my passion. In my spare time I’m always just scrolling [on my phone], looking at flowers, shopping at florists, seeing what they’re up to — and plants, as well.”
The Florist at Gelinas’ business hours will be 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. However, it will be open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday for a grand opening celebration, with promotions, a raffle and special gifts given to the first 100 people to stop by.
The business maintains pages on Instagram and Facebook. The website is thefloristatgelinas.com.
Reach Domenic Poli at: dpoli@recorder.com or 413-930-4120.