Spotlight Series: Charley's Flowers Delivers Comfort and Joy
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Expressions of love, friendship and caring. This is what Charley’s Flowers of Chillicothe has specialized in for nearly sixty years. But don’t think they’re stuck in the past. This downtown florist works hard to keep up with the times and to give modern customers exactly what they want.
Mary Rusk and her siblings Charley Rusk, Chris Renison and Barb Gilmore took over the business from their parents Charley and Jean in 1983. “We were fortunate to have our parents to show us the business. All of us kids would walk here to work after school. I’m still doing the same work I did when I was a kid,” she laughed as she described sweeping floors and emptying the trash as a youngster. “My parents had an older lady who worked here for years. She was kind of like an aunt to us and she taught me a lot of what I know. She taught me to learn how to do the work and then to find my own style.
This full service flower shop can fill every need from big occasions like weddings and parties to smaller events like graduation, prom, births, housewarmings, birthdays and more. While they are there for life’s great joys, they are also there during the sad moments. “When someone comes in to order flowers because their loved one has died, we cry along with them. How could you not? But grief is different for everyone. Sometimes they cry and sometimes they laugh. We take our cues from that person and try to give them exactly the kind of support they need,” Mary explained.
Custom arrangements can be made with plants, cut flower and silk flowers in a variety of container types including handmade ceramic pots from Hill’s Nursery.
She noted how much the funeral industry has changed in recent years. Funerals remain their biggest source of business but what people buy has changed and lessened. She said they were once known for the large funeral baskets that were typically used to decorate the graveside following the funeral. “Now some people prefer to send throws, lanterns and other things the family can keep. We have a nice selection of those things too.”
What does she say to people who think flowers are a waste of money? “I think flowers are a way to let someone know you’re thinking of them, that you care, that they aren’t alone. Funeral flowers show respect for the dead and bring a little beauty into a sad time. Flowers for a happy event like a baby or a birthday let your loved one know you care.”
Mary said they keep a selection of about thirty arrangements in the cooler for walk in customers to purchase. Customers can also order from their online store, via phone, or just walk in and speak with someone. The Adena Hospital gift shop carries Charley’s arrangements for all occasions too. The store also carries gift items like candles, stuffed animals, wreaths and other seasonal décor.
She said their customers tend to remark on how much longer their flowers last and she says that has everything to do with the origins and transportation of their flowers. She credits good wholesalers for the quality flowers they carry.
“I love what I do and can’t imagine doing anything else. We are grateful for the support of our community and our customers.”
Keep up with Charley’s Flowers on Facebook and shop online. You can also visit them in person and find something custom and beautiful at 19 South Pain Street, Chillicothe. Scroll down for more photos.