“When one door closes, another door opens.” This statement describes how Lisa A. Lawrence came to be the new owner of Hill’s Valley Floral & Gifts in Lewiston. After teaching classes at Walla Walla Community College for six years, Lisa found herself unemployed when grant funding ended. To help supplement her income, she went to work at a local floral shop, Hill’s Valley Floral & Gifts. It was during her employment there that her opportunity and dream presented itself. After twelve years of ownership, the owners decided they wanted to sell the business.

 

As a current partner in a small wedding consulting and decorating business, Lisa had several years experience in floral design and wedding/event planning. The opportunity to purchase Hill’s Valley Floral & Gifts seemed to fit her passion for art, decorating, and community service.

 

Hill’s Valley Floral & Gifts was originally founded on May 18, 1918. The long time family-owned establishment had a successful history and was known for providing quality products at a reasonable price.  

 

In June of 2007, Lisa came to the Lewiston Small Business Development Center seeking assistance in developing a business plan and obtaining financing to purchase the business. Through the course of five months, Judy Schumacher, Business Consultant for the Region II SBDC, counseled Lisa in researching the floral and gift industry, preparing cash flow projections and developing a business plan.

 

Lisa submitted her proposal to a local bank in the fall of 2007 and by December, 2007, she had been approved for financing. Lisa and her husband, David, transitioned to ownership on January 7, 2008 and have recently celebrated their one year business anniversary.  Lisa hopes to grow the existing business by offering a wider selection of event rentals and wedding consulting services.

 

With the assistance of Jill Thomas-Jorgenson, Director of the Lewiston SBDC, Lisa has participated in LCSC marketing student projects, and is currently participating in an accounting student project. Through Lisa’s passion for her business and the desire to promote her community, Lisa has experienced a successful first year of operation and helped create and retain jobs for the city of Lewiston.

 

Lisa had this to say of her experience with the Region II SBDC staff, “Through the business planning process, I was able to come up with a concrete plan that has helped me greatly in this first year of business. I thank you SBDC and staff for your excellent counsel and support.”