Up Close and Personal – Shirley Lovett

Feb 1, 2017 | People

Owner
Unique Florist

107 Market Place
Alma, Arkansas
479.632.4449
Find us on Facebook

 

ABOUT Shirley Lovett

I’ve been the owner of Unique Florist in Alma for nearly forty years. In that time, I’ve gotten to serve the people of this community from the births of their babies through their final days. My customers have become friends, and my co-workers my family. Every day, people stop by just to see how “Miss Shirley” is doing. I can’t imagine a better job.

 
We offer delivery to the Fort Smith area, and as far away as Ozark and Mountainburg. Our designer, Betsy Reynolds, is an artist and puts so much love in her work. This Valentine’s Day, Unique Florist will deliver, or you can stop by to pick up fresh flower arrangements, candy, stuffed animals, and balloons.

 

Words to live by:

For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life. -John 3:16

 

List 3 things you love:

Perfume, steak, jewelry.

 

What’s your idea of a perfect meal?  

A four-course dinner with wine from Wiederkehr Weinkellar Restaurant in Altus.

 

What’s the most adventurous thing you’ve ever done? 

Get into the flower business after years of working as a realtor.

 

What was your best Valentine’s Day ever? 

My best year was four years ago. Unique Florist had eleven vans running, thirty-three people working, and my staff hired a barbershop quartet to come sing to me.

 

Why do people love getting flowers? 

Because they’re beautiful, fragrant, thoughtful. And there’s love behind each order.

 

Favorite song from your teen years? 

“Crazy” by Patsy Cline.

 

What did you do as a kid that got you into trouble?  

I stuck my tongue out at my mother once.

 

Favorite food from your childhood?  

Mac and cheese.

 

What’s the longest you’ve gone without sleep, and why? 

Twenty-four hours, and that was during a Valentine’s Day rush at work.

 

What’s the most sentimental thing you own? 

A quilt made from the shirts that belonged to my late-son, Andy.

 

Name someone you admire.

Princess Diana because she was so giving and caring.

 

What’s a fashion trend you wish would come back?  

I love high heels!

 

Do you remember the first time you got flowers?  

When I filed for divorce from my first husband. I filed the papers, and he sent flowers.

 

Farthest you’ve been away from home?  

California.

 

Best advice your parents gave you?  

My dad told me to work hard, and my mom told me to be honest.

 

How many hours do your staff work the week before Valentine’s Day? 

Around eighty hours.

 

What’s your favorite flower?  

Gerber daisies. They’re long-lasting, and they look like a field flower but are still so elegant.

 

What was your first job? 

I was a carhop in Marshfield, Missouri.

 

What keeps you working when many people your age have retired? 

I love my job. I love my people. I just love Unique Florist.

 

What’s the secret to your success? 

I think it goes back to my parents’ advice. I’m hardworking and honest. I learn people’s names. I remember who likes baby’s breath and who doesn’t.

Do South Magazine

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