06/02/2026
Today I closed the Chapter in my life of owning Le Center Floral. It is so bittersweet. It has been such a rewarding and sometimes exhausting job.
Halloween this fall would have marked my 30th Anniversary of buying the shop. I worked and learned from Dolores and Margie when I was in HS at Posy Pantry.
I almost turned away the opportunity to purchase LeCenter Floral. Scott and I were engaged and he encouraged me to buy the shop. It was a great place to bring our kids after school and during summer breaks.
I can truely say that I have had a job that I have loved. When you love what you do, even the long hour weeks don't seem so bad.
I have been blessed with so many wonderful employees who have made so many days, especially long holiday weeks much more fun.
My family has supported me. My mom has helped me so many times over the years. I wouldn't be the person I am today without her. My mom and dad taught me the importance of working hard for what I wanted. Scott's family has been so wonderful too. Rita always brought a crew of ladies to every open house that I had and Jim was always there to lend a helping hand when Scott was too busy running his owned business.
Then there are you, my customers, near and far. You have truly made my shop grow year after year. I will always cherish the orders you gave me, the visits we were able to have and the friendships I've made along the way!
The funeral directors that I worked with were so amazing to me. They referred so many families to me and always spoke so highly of the work that I did. I have had so much fun getting to know them over the years. The kindness and trust they put in me will never be forgotten.
As alot you know, my body has been hurting the last year and I prayed I would find someone to continue what I have worked so hard to build. Shannon will be a wonderful asset to this community. She grew up here and is a very hard worker.
She is involved in the community in so many ways.
I will be staying on full time for a bit and most likely part time for a while too. With that being said, I will most likely be looking for a part time job to get me by as Shannon needs me less and less. If any of you know of a part time or even full time (eventually) job that you think I would be a great fit for, please let me know.
I bought this shop when I was just 23 years old. So it has been a long time since I had to look for a job.
I hope you will all have patience with Shannon as she learns. Please remember that I have been doing this for a long time and I still get requests that I have never done before. I hope you will give her the chance to show you what she can do.
I have had so many tears of happiness and sorrow since I signed this purchase agreement. Being the owner of LeCenter Floral has been my identity for almost 30 years. I want to thank Scott, our kids and both of our families, for their patience, as there were many times I had to change our plans because we don't choose when people die. There were also benefits of being self employed. I was close to home and I got to be there for our kids as they were growing up. I was so fortunate to make it to most of their school events.
I want to thank all of you so much for the years of support! I hope to see you all soon. Shannon will be taking over this page. I will be doing what I can to make this transition as easy as possible. With that being said, I have always put my cell phone out there and you are still able to reach out to me If you have any questions along the way as we transition. 612-203-8875
Thank You to my family for sending me beautiful flowers to me today and for going out for dinner to celebrate. Thanks to a few great friends that made sure my day was memorable too!
Once a florist, always a florist!
With Gratitude and love,
Jenniffer Smisek
