By: Ben Strickland, Fall Advertising Intern
Small Enterprise Highlight: J. Lea Florals | Jess Ferguson
An eye fixed for pure coloration can sprout like some other expertise — by attempting one thing early and receiving assist from household and group. Over time, that expertise blossoms into a possibility so significant it calls for a full dedication.
Jessica Ferguson has finished simply that together with her store, J. Lea Florals, positioned only a block from Metropolis Corridor. This October marks two years since she moved into her present Downtown Jacksonville house. Earlier than establishing her storefront, Ferguson ran the enterprise out of her residence.
“It was my first job,” she stated. “Once I was 15 in highschool, I began working at a flower store in Orange Park, so it was all I had ever identified.” Shortly after, her sisters requested her to design florals for his or her weddings. It was then she determined to show her ardour right into a enterprise.
Now coming into a busy marriage ceremony season, Ferguson focuses on making each consumer really feel celebrated and welcome. “A particular a part of my enterprise is that I cater to the LGBTQ group,” she stated. “Being homosexual myself, that’s one thing I prefer to give attention to — to ensure everybody feels welcome right here.”
Bridal bouquets are on the coronary heart of her work, usually impressed by spring colours and smells. Nonetheless, Ferguson supplies flowers for any event that requires a contact of pure magnificence.
J. Lea is a small, intimate store the place Ferguson has maximized each sq. inch. From the hand-painted flowers behind her sitting space to the cabinets lined with marriage ceremony props and containers, the store displays her artistry and presents a heat welcome to anybody in search of Downtown’s floral specialist.