Business is Blooming in Downtown Dayton! Interview with Sherwood Florist

If you haven’t yet heard of Sherwood Florist (I doubt that) you absolutely must check them out. Business is better than ever since Sherwood’s move downtown and I had the tremendous pleasure of sitting down to talk with owner and good friend, Jessie Guy Wright and chat more about Dayton’s number one florist.

Opened over 26 years ago by Bev Guy, in Kettering OH, Jessie her daughter and  now co-owner has been a creative force behind the shop and it’s unique arrangements since a little girl. She was absolutely born to create and if you’ve seen Sherwood’s work you would certainly agree! As a young girl, Jessie can remember and talked about skipping school one day with friends to get lunch downtown. At the time, the now Cannery Lofts was home to other retail shops and the space caught her eye. “I always knew I wanted to be downtown, I never forgot the space when I would think about where the shop would be one day.”

Years later, on a whim at a time when the shop was evolving, Jessie remembered that retail space and in excitement said to Bev, “Can you see it..” trying to get Mom on board for a move. Jessie laughed as she told me Bev’s response which was “No.” and at the time I’m sure many would have had the same response but Jessie was a believer, things were happening in Dayton and she just new a move downtown was what was needed to springboard this already successful business into the next phase of it’s journey.

In 2012, Sherwood Florist made it’s move to Third Ave as one of the first retailers to fill space at The Cannery and since doing so has seen huge growth not only for their business but also the downtown region. We talked candidly about where Dayton has been, how far it’s come and undoubtedly where this city is headed.

Since moving downtown Jessie has seen some major changes, ones all of us have seen. She talked about the many new businesses not only in the Cannery but also in the surrounding area. Breweries, new restaurants and shops are breathing life back into not only the city but also the Dayton community. New business equals more people, Sherwood has seen foot traffic grow rapidly, specifically in the last year which lead to the decision of increasing their focus on retail. Jessie talked about exiting the sale of goods outside of flowers and arrangements because it wasn’t worth it at the time but traffic in and out of the shop increasing so much it seemed like a no brainer to bring retail back. From local honey, soaps and candles to home décor Sherwood is now a destination for gifts and other must haves.

Jessie, Bev and team continue to be the most sought after talent for floral arrangements, weddings and events. When I asked Jessie what she thought was really driving the growth of their shop she said…”Word of Mouth, the Dayton Community.” “There is so much support among business owners in this city,” she said, “We all want this community to grow.” She’s right about that. Jessie also talked about the increase of young professionals migrating downtown who really have a keep it local vibe.

There’s a mix of things contributing to their growth which keeps this business blooming, pun intended. When I asked Jessie what the future held for Sherwood, she simply said “We’re here to stay.” As a downtown resident it excites me to see and hear from a business owner that has been here since the very beginning of the resurgence we’re now seeing. Jessie was always a believer and continues to be. I am so excited for Dayton, Sherwood Florist and all of the business downtown, new and old. Dayton is a great place to start and grow a business, to live and love local, to be part of an amazing and growing community!

Follow Sherwood Florist on Instagram and Facebook to get a closer look!

Sherwood Florist is neighbor to several businesses, including SpeakEasy Yoga & Square One Salon. To learn more about retail space visit www.cannerydayton.com.

Have a business idea and thinking about Downtown Dayton as your location? Visit http://www.activatedspaces.org