There is a warm and welcoming feeling when you walk by Candler Park Flowers. The bright colors of the flowers grab your attention right away, the green color outside of the shop making it hard to miss. The windows are filled with beautiful bouquets that invite people in. 

This little corner store isn’t just about selling flowers; it’s about helping the community with its floral arrangements needs, creating amazing arrangements for weddings, special events, proms, homecomings and local gatherings. Whether needing flowers for something big or just to brighten someone’s day, Candler Park Flowers is a special part of the neighborhood.

“The team and staff are the best,” community member Brian Kyle said.  “It’s clear that they like working there and always greet me. They make it very easy and efficient, I can drive up, pay and get home quickly.”

Dawn Kee is the owner and founder of Candler Park Flowers. Opening the business in 2010, the unique flower arrangements, wreath designs and special events they provide for their customers are essential to their business and year-round event opportunities. 

“Our neighbors [the art studio] have let us use their space during those holidays for overflow and that has been tremendously helpful,” Kee said. “We get to know our customers, their kids, parents and even the dogs.”

Having a skilled and dedicated team at Candler Park Flowers has been a significant factor contributing to the store’s ongoing success and its ability to maintain a loyal customer base. Kee finds that their unique flower arrangements also add to the interest of their store.

“We carry flowers and plants that are a bit more unusual than most,” Kee said. “Whether it be the type of flower or just a more unusual color.”

Forming relationships with their customers is an important value to Candler Park Flowers. Kee said the neighborhood is family-friendly; when walking around and seeing another neighbor know most of the time wave and smile. Keeping good relationships and remembering people’s names is just one of the little things that can set aside one store from another. 

“The majority of our business is walk-in customers buying handmade bouquets on the spot,” Kee said.

With the store’s location in the middle of Candler Park,  an area with many homes, and easy access to order via phone, sophomore Liam Walsh said picking the flowers up is the easiest part. 

“I would recommend this shop to my friends,” Walsh said. “Especially for anyone who lives in Candler Park because it is extremely convenient.”

Many Midtown students use Kee and her business for boutonnieres and corsages during homecoming and prom in the fall and spring school year.

“The ordering process was fairly easy and convenient,” Walsh said. “I was able to just do a quick five minute phone call and get everything all set.”

The shop has been open for 14 years, building a strong reputation as a reliable part of the community. Kyle said their commitment and skill are what keeps customers coming back. 

“I tell the staff person what the occasion is and my budget,” Kyle said. “Then I trust their expertise to create the perfect arrangement.”

The unique flower arrangements are the biggest part of their business. Being a small business in a neighborhood can be hard, but Kee said they do a great job of keeping their customers satisfied. 

“I love what I do,” Kee said. “It’s hard work and sometimes very grungy, but the end result is amazingly beautiful.”

The Candler Park neighborhood is a place where both people and businesses like Candler Park Flowers benefit from a strong sense of connections, and a big community. Community member Rachel Bowser said this nurturing environment helps create a vibrant and inclusive environment that makes Candler Park a truly special place. 

“I feel good supporting a small business, especially one in my neighborhood,” Bowser said. “The small businesses we have are definitely the driving force behind the community we have here.”