Impressionist painter Henri Matisse once said, “There are always flowers for those who want to see them.”
Giving flowers is a timeless and universal expression of affection and for more than 14 years the staff at Sweet Violets and owner Kelli O’Hara have helped people share the love.
“I am passionate about flowers,” said O’Hara. “It’s a living beautiful item that people don’t often treat themselves to.”
Sweet Violets offer a wide variety of potted plants, flowers and succulents as well as award-winning bouquets and floral arrangements for every occasion but the majority of their customers don’t wait for special events.
“It’s mostly everyday,” said O’Hara. “Guys in love, people that want to treat themselves, sympathy bouquets, birthdays, congratulations.”
The shop has become a floral oasis in the downtown core with many people popping in just to soak up the ambience, smell the flowers and chat with the friendly staff.
O’Hara’s infectious passion for flowers is a product of both nurture and nature.
“My parents were florists before I was born so I grew up with them since I was wee,” she said. “They are beautiful.”
Sweet Violets has survived and grown despite challenges posed by changing economics and perpetual construction projects in the area.
The ongoing construction on Wilson Street has blocked much of the shop’s street view and limited access to the front entrance but O’Hara views it all with rose-coloured glasses.
“It affects us for sure but it is going to be beautiful when it is done.”
