Kahnawà:ke’s Economic Development Commission

Kahnawà:ke’s Economic Development Commission

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Business Spotlight: Celebrating 10 years one flower at a time
October 25, 2024

Celebrating their 10th Anniversary on October 4th, 2024, Valley Girls Flowers & Gifts is a fun, fancy floral shop open for all occasions. Layne Myiow worked at Katsi’tsi:io for about 30 years – a fundraising flower shop within our local school Karihwanoron. Myiow was mainly involved with the arts and crafts when a community member gave her some insight on flower arrangements tips and tricks. Myiow ventured out in other endeavors over the years, however as her kids got older, she realized it was time for something new and that’s where flowers came to mind also since Kahnawà:ke no longer had a flower shop.

Layne participated in the Entrepreneurial course offered by Tewatohnhi’saktha and with their help, she prepared her business plan and went into action with other necessities to get her store up and running. Apart from the business side, the fun part is being able to talk with people and working alongside her co-workers. “There are so many facets to this business, a lot of work, paperwork/invoices, estimates, calculations/ordering; it’s time consuming. The fun part is creating the arrangements and deliveries; seeing all the happy faces when they’re surprised with flowers and seeing the final results is what it’s all about.” said Layne.

Layne reminisces on her most rewarding achievements during her journey which is seeing how beautiful and unique every arrangement and bouquet are that leaves the shop. Also, the overall completion of the shop itself and her favourite is having all her business loans paid off. Layne’s aspirations for the future are that she hopes to continue to keep that personal feel but also expand her personnel. “I know the community, I know what they like, what sells. I love the satisfaction of my work. My goal was to be a small local florist and always keep the personal side. I like to see my customers be satisfied with my work.”

Layne proudly recommends Tewatohnhi’saktha, even for the smallest thing. “Tewatonhnhi’saktha was a major part of opening Valley Girls, without their help it would’ve taken us longer than anticipated. It was very beneficial from my first loan to helping with the business plan, even throughout Covid-19. Tammy Delaronde who was my former BSO was a big help with my accounting aspect as well.”

Valley Girls is located on Route 132 in Kahnawà:ke and can be found on Facebook at Valley Girls Flowers & Gifts.

For more information on Business Services, please contact Tewatohnhi’saktha at (450) 638-4280.