Fortville Floral Shop Still Blooming After 30 Years

Writer & Photographer: Lynda Hedberg Thies

Applying for a job is a rite of passage for many teenagers and not only are these first employment opportunities a great way to earn money, but they receive plenty of experience and work skills along the way. But few expect that their first job will lead them to discover their passion, let alone a career that would span more than 30 years. 

Still, that is exactly what Jennifer Moss experienced when she applied for her first job at a Fortville flower shop when she was in junior high. Moss loved everything about the flower business and continued working there throughout high school. Moss, a 1982 graduate of Mt. Vernon High School, worked at two more flower shops while pursuing her certification from the Indianapolis Floral Design School before opening her own place.

Jennifer’s Flower Boutique opened its doors for business in January of 1988. While Jennifer’s name is on the door, her parents, Paul and Virginia Kemerly enthusiastically supported her venture and could be seen daily at the shop over the years, helping with store décor, customer service and making deliveries. Bradley, Moss’s son, spent much of his childhood at the store and continues to help her with deliveries. Her mother, Virginia, is a mainstay at the store, greeting customers daily.

Jennifer’s Flower Boutique offers a variety of fresh cut flowers for weddings and funerals, she offers memorial stones for family and pets, blankets and throws that can all be personalized, balloons, stuffed animals, planters and candy bouquets too, all at affordable prices.

In the past, Jennifer’s customers primarily came from Fortville and, over time, have turned into friends.

“I have helped my customers through the happiest and some of the saddest times in their lives,” she says.

Her shop is attracting new clients every day. 

With the revitalization and growth of the town in recent years, there is more traffic and people stopping by from surrounding towns to visit. Lately, her store has become more of a regional shop with clients from McCordsville, Geist, Pendleton, Noblesville, Carmel, Castleton and Greenfield, which has increased her delivery zone to these areas. She also offers online ordering with delivery for clients pressed for time.

After 30 years in business, the passion she felt for that part-time job and now full-time career is still evident.

“It’s really exciting to watch our growth,” Moss says. “We have always been here, but many don’t know we are here. With so many restaurants and shops opening up here, it has really brought in so many wonderful customers from all over and we are excited about the future.

“I think I love it more now than when I started,” she adds. “It is different every day and that is what I truly love about it because no two days are the same. Some people dread going to work each day, but I’m blessed to do what I love.”

Jennifer’s Flower Boutique is located at the corner of Staat and Main in downtown Fortville. Give them a call at 317-485-5512. Hours of Operation:  Monday through Friday, 9a.m.- 6p.m. and Saturday from 9a.m.-3p.m.  For more information, visit them online at jennifersflowerboutique.com.

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