A new bloom: Kellie Hancock tends the seeds of Dubuque Flower Company as its new owner

Kellie Hancock didn’t know much about flowers when she was approached by Katey Grund about purchasing Dubuque Flower Company.

But something told her it would be a worthwhile enough venture to learn.

“It has been pretty wild, taking on a flower business coming into Valentine’s Day,” joked the 38-year-old Dubuquer, who previously called Colorado home. “But it also has been fun. Family is very important to me, so it has enabled me to be able to find some flexibility and work with my family. My mom is coming into retirement and enjoys working with flowers, so it gives her something she can do. My daughter works at the shop. I have another daughter studying business in college, so it gives her an opportunity to learn. It has been something for us to do together as a family.”

Hancock took on ownership of Dubuque Flower Company in January — a plant, flower and retail space that specializes in professionally designed floral arrangements and floral gifts for a variety of occasions.

Having previously assisted in the operating room at MercyOne Dubuque, Hancock decided she needed a change of pace following the COVID-19 pandemic.

After dealing with a case of head lice with her children, Hancock and her sister teamed up to launch a lice clinic in Dubuque. Hancock also took on the goal of getting her Real Estate certification, becoming a Real Estate Associate with RE/MAX in Dubuque.

“I’ve always had an entrepreneurial spirit,” Hancock said. “My stepdad owned a masonry business, so as early as 14, I was learning the ropes. He taught me a lot. His motto was work hard, play hard.”

Since taking on Dubuque Flower Company, Hancock has become acquainted not only with floral arrangements and types of plants that will appeal to customers, but also with what her shop can contribute to the local florist community.

Hancock said there continues to be a growing interest in indoor/outdoor plants among consumers, as well as the need for quality local floral options for special occasions.

“I think there is room for everyone to be successful,” she said. “I think the biggest challenge is continuing to build trust among our built-in customer base and people who are just finding us. But it’s a fun challenge. I love working with people. It’s amazing to see the smiles on their faces when a special plant or floral arrangements brightens up their day. It’s very rewarding.”

Hancock — who spends much of her free time with family, including her high school sweetheart and husband; and the couple’s three daughters, ages 21, 18 and 10 — described herself as a bit of a workaholic.

In addition to continuing to provide an assortment of plants and other fresh floral arrangements through Dubuque Flower Company, she also plans to continue growing the shop’s retail offerings, as well as exploring community partnerships.

“The landscape of women-owned businesses in Dubuque is strong and supportive,” Hancock said. “For anyone considering it, do it. Take the risk. And don’t give up on yourself.”

Megan Gloss writes for the Telegraph Herald.