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BUSINESS: Floral designer takes over Main St. decor store
Seasons Floristry & Gifts is opening today at Ulrich City Centre.
Seasons is Wilhelm & Ashe Home under new ownership. Well-regarded floral designer Noel Daubney is buying the business from her former bosses, Margaret and Gary Ashe.
In addition to home decor and accessories, Daubney will begin selling fresh and silk floral arrangements. That’s a new retail offering on Main Street.
“There’s a need for high-quality fresh (florals) and decor in the city. It’s hard to find,” she said.
Daubney, of Wilson, is back in the business as her own boss after leaving Wilhelm & Ashe Floristry, Prospect and Stevens streets. The Ashes sold that business to Ron Walker over the summer, and Daubney had since left its employ. Buying a flower shop was her “only alternative” to stay in the Lockport market where she has thrived professionally, she said.
According to Margaret Ashe, Daubney’s reputation is strong around Western New York, as she’s one of only a few floral designers in the region who crafts fresh topiaries.
Daubney’s funeral arrangement designs also are noteworthy, Ashe said, and her work as a custom home holiday decorator is getting good reviews too. A Daubney design displayed in the store last week, a centerpiece floral arrangement and matching garland, all done in silver, gold, white and ice blue, was commissioned by a customer in Clarence.
Beyond offering fresh florals, Seasons won’t differ much from its predecessor. Daubney said she’ll carry the same types of products and product lines, including Root candles, while looking to launch a few “surprise” additions down the road. One of her goals is to offer as much American-made product as possible, she said.
The Ashes are wrapping up their 30th year in the home decor business. Margaret said she’s looking forward to having more time to spend with her elderly parents, while Gary is getting ready to start a new job, instructor of creative thinking at Buffalo State College, in January.
“We’re not deserting (the store), we’re passing the torch,” Margaret Ashe said.
“Me, Margaret and Noel, we are Wilhelm & Ashe. We’ve had a good run,” Gary Ashe said. “Noel brings a great professionalism to this business. ... We hope (residents) support her in her new venture.”
Contact reporter Joyce Miles at 439-9222, ext. 6245.
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