Farewell to flowers
Owner and operator of Jean’s Flowers and Gifts, Robin Young, is entering a new chapter in her life - retirement.
Those who know Robin Young know that her passion lies with flowers. So, it may shock some that the beloved florist is ready to sell her store, Jean’s Flowers and Gifts, after 36 years of business in Truro.
It was not an easy decision but for Young, it made sense as the next step in her life.
“I am 62 now and I feel it’s time to hang up my clippers and slow down a bit,” she says. “Working in the flower shop has been a labour of love for me. I’ve been very fortunate to get to come to work everyday and love what I do. The flower shop has been very good to me over the years, it has allowed me to have a great rewarding career, the opportunity to provide jobs to other people and give back to my community. Truro is a great place to own a business and raise a family.”
Young’s love for flowers and design dates back to when she was a teen in high school. She would spend weekends, evenings and summers in her parent’s flower shop in Shubenacadie when she was not at school.
“I guess I never really noticed how deeply I felt for it until after high school,” she says. “I lived in Edmonton for about three years doing secretarial work and I just missed it. So, I ended up working part-time at a flower shop there, just to get back to it.
“After gaining more experience, I moved home to Nova Scotia in the early ‘80s and bought my parent’s flower shop,” Young adds. “That’s where my journey truly began.”
It was about three years later when Young decided to buy Jean’s in Truro, a busier shop with more opportunity for development and growth. She quickly sharpened her skills as an entrepreneur and built a loyal community rather than a business. Her favourite part was getting to meet so many people and become a part of their lives.
“Doing this type of work is where I feel most fulfilled,” says Young. “As a florist we truly get to know our customers on a whole different level, we are privileged to be a part of so many treasured memories.”
Young considers this moment bittersweet. As much as she is ready to go, she isn’t ready to hang it up entirely. Though she has an idea of what comes next, she is most excited about the journey.
“I am looking forward to retirement, but I am not looking forward to saying goodbye,” she says. “But what’s next? My husband and I recently bought an R.V. and we are looking forward to spending more time together.”
Young hopes that someone would purchase the store and carry on business as usual. She wishes for Jean’s name to live on beyond her, allowing the dedication, passion, and spirit she has for the craft to remain.
For more information on Jean’s Flowers and Gifts, visit their website at: https://www. jeansflowersandgifts.ca/.