Petal to the Metal
Karly Elbrecht Gets Back to Her Roots With Mobile Flower Shop
Writer / Julie Yates
Photography Provided by Colleen Woodruff Photography, Golden Cardinal Media, & Daren Short
When Karly Elbrecht was growing up in the small Hamilton County town of Arcadia, her grandfather, Pappy, was one of her neighbors. At the time, his 1984 Chevrolet El Camino was no big deal to her, and occasionally she drove herself to school in it. Her friends always loved it though, and she would joke that one day shed sell flowers out of the back of it.
Fast-forward to October of 2021. As a sales trainer for a software company that facilitates medical communication, and a busy mom to a toddler, Elbrecht was craving a creative outlet. In the past she and Pappy did some woodworking projects together, but she always had a fondness for flowers. She signed up for a flower-arranging workshop with Louloudi Fields in Noblesville.
As a result of that workshop and making a connection with the owner of Louloudi Fields, Monica Pappas, the idea of Camino & Company was formed, Elbrecht says. Monica became the first flower farmer to come on board. My kidding around about using Pappys truck for a mobile flower shop ultimately came true.
Pappy, who still lives near Elbrechts dad, is happy to lend his vehicle each time Camino & Company holds a pop-up event, or partners with another small business by participating in their promotion. The vehicle is a hybrid truck model that was produced by Chevrolet from 1959 to 1960, and again from 1964 to 1987. Its a fun, vintage venue from which to sell flowers and other products.
The & Company part of the business name is a nod to plans for the future. Elbrecht currently sells crocheted flower pillows in addition to flowers. She is looking for other small businesses and local makers to partner with, and either sell their products or collaborate for events.
All the flowers I sell come from local growers, she says. Several such as Coppertop Flower Farm, The Howe Homestead and Local Sunnies are based in Noblesville. Since flower season ended with the frost, Im doing seasonal events.
Elbrecht is planning to hold winter wreath workshops and miscellaneous pop-ups. She has plans to collaborate with Wild Kard Vintage in McCordsville and SoChatti, a chocolate company in Indianapolis. In addition, she has provided flowers for a few weddings.
Elbrecht has a special place in her heart for small businesses. Her father owns a sign company in Arcadia, and at one time her mother owned a business. Now that she is a business owner herself, she has developed even more respect for what it takes to keep a business going.
The world is so small, she says. Now, as a business owner, I am seeing firsthand how connected everyone is. Its great to be part of a community where people want to see you succeed. Camino & Company has turned out better than I could have hoped for. I have learned so much since I started. It has brought me so much happiness. Pappy is one of the biggest supporters in my life, and I couldnt chase this dream without him. I am so thankful for the opportunity.
For more information on Camino & Company, go to caminoandcompany.com.
