Phil Castle, The Business Times

No bouquet of flowers or luxuriant plant leaves Country Elegance without the finishing touch that’s become something of a signature for the Grand Junction florist. A tiny ladybug perches somewhere on a steam or leaf. It’s not a real insect, of course, but rather an indication of the attention to detail that goes into products and customer service.

Sandi Reynolds, the owner of the operation she started with her parents more than 20 years ago, attributes the longevity and success of the business to delivering quality products and services. “Our clients are our bosses.”

Community service remains important, too, Reynolds says. And Country Elegance contributes to a variety of organizations and causes.

Those efforts garnered Country Elegance the Small Business of the Year Award bestowed by the Grand Junction Area Chamber of Commerce. The chamber presents businesses and individuals with annual awards recognizing their contributions.

Country Elegance Florist received the award for a business with less than 25 employees.

Reynolds says she was surprised as she was grateful. “Wow. I still can’t believe it.”

Reynolds launched Country Elegance in 2002 with her parents, Bonnie and Steve Cruse. Reynolds says she worked for 13 years for City Market. Her mother worked as a florist and was convinced she could operate a better business herself. Her father helped with deliveries on Saturdays in addition to running an electrical business.

Reynolds says she’s always had a passion for art, one that includes floral design.

While her parents retired, Reynolds says another generation of the family joined Country Elegance in 2016 — her daughter, Morgan Bair.

Reynolds says her daughter’s work on the Country Elegance website and the move in 2020 into a larger location with 3,800 square feet bolstered sales.

Country Elegance faces increased competition from grocery stores and other chain retailers selling flowers, Reynold says. But the business has fared well in offering better products and customer service.

The flowers are a step up, she says, and kept fresh in coolers. That means bouquets look better and last longer. Customer service remains huge, she says. “I want our customers to feel like guests, like friends.”

In addition to flowers, Country Elegance sells plants and gift baskets. Reynolds says she works with local farmers and businesses to feature their products.

Country Elegance provides flowers and other products for weddings, memorial services and other events as well as offers corporate services for businesses, restaurants and hotels.

Reynolds credits her staff of 24 for creating quality arrangements and serving customers. “We have a really talented team. They’re amazing.”

Reynolds says she’s also grateful for the support of the community, and the business gives back in the form of contributions and support to local clubs, causes and organizations.

As for the lady bugs, they’re a small, finishing touch. But also a unique and important one she says customers have come to expect.

Country Elegance Florist is located at 2494 Patterson Road in Grand Junction. For information,
call 255-0026 or log on to www.countryeleganceflorists.com.