New flower shop Since their grand opening Dec. 1, the staff at Cedarwood Floral in Pillager (owned by Kevin and Amy Ringler) have been busy making Christmas wreaths; and putting together flower arrangements for the holidays and other special occasions. Pictured above, from left, are floral designer Diana Killian; Christopher Ringler and his mom, Amy. (Staples World photo by Dawn Schimpp Timbs) Sometimes a lay-off can be a blessing in disguise; discovered Amy Ringler of Pillager, co-owner of the recently opened Cedarwood Floral shop.

“We’re really excited about this opportunity,” Amy said. “Who would have known a year ago that we’d be in the flower shop business?”

When the company she had worked at for 14 years re-located to Arkansas, Amy knew she’d have to make some career decisions.

“I’d been at Lindy-Little Joe in Brainerd for a long time and I thought I’d be there for years to come,” Amy said recently. “It was definitely a shock when I got laid off,” she added.

Faced with this unplanned challenge, Amy said she sat down and did some soul-searching and brain-storming.

“I asked myself, ‘What’s not in Pillager?’” Amy said. “A flower shop, that’s what.”

The more she researched this sort of business, the more excited she got, Amy said.

She also spent some time talking with the locals, asking their opinions as well, Amy said. “Everyone seemed to think that a flower shop was needed... there weren’t any right in the Pillager area.”

With the support of her husband, Kevin; and 11-year-old son, Christopher, Amy got right to work at making this dream a reality.

She contacted Cass County Economic Development; and they helped her put together a business plan before going to the bank.

“They were so helpful. We got a SPA loan without any problems from Mid Minnesota Credit Union,” Amy said.

Everything seemed to be falling into place, Amy said, including finding the perfect space for their business.

“We’re right downtown in the heart of Pillager; you can’t miss it,” Amy laughed.

Cedarwood Floral is located in the old Security State Bank on the corner of Cedar Avenue and River Street. Built in 1913, the building boasts of 11 ft. ceilings (with the original decorative tiles); and two vaults - one used to store supplies; and the other is now a balloon room.

Since the bank’s closing, the building has been used by a variety of businesses over the years. It had been empty for at least a year when the Ringlers decided to buy it.

It took some time and effort; but the grand opening of Cedarwood Floral in Pillager was Dec. 1, Amy said with a smile. Just in time for the Christmas season.

“This has definitely been a family affair,” Amy shared, adding that she couldn’t have done it without the help of her husband, son; and her parents, Gene and Carole Gangestad of Brainerd. “Dad even built all of the shelves in here,” she said.

Although the Ringlers are co-owners of Cedarwood Floral, Amy is the one who runs the store. Kevin is also employed at Gary’s Diesel in Staples, his hometown.

Another key player at the flower shop is Diana Killian, a seasoned floral designer hired by Amy because of her vast knowledge of the business.

“I have a degree in accounting, which has come in handy when starting a business,” Amy said. “But I don’t know a lot about flowers and plants.”

Knowing she would need an expert in the field

to help her, Amy checked

out the MN Works website. “I came across Diana’s resume...

it was great.”

Amy gave Diana a call and the rest is history.

Although she lived in Hines at the time, Diana said she was happy to relocate to the Brainerd area when Amy offered her the job. “It’s just what I was looking for,” she added.

Diana said she was familiar

with this part of Minnesota, having graduated

from Brainerd Vo- Tech in 1968.

“I have a degree in Floral Design...this is the sort of work I’ve always done. I love it,” Diana said with a smile.

Together, she and Amy have attended trade shows in Minneapolis...gathering ideas for the Pillager store.

“I was a little overwhelmed when we first got there,” Amy said. “The trade show is held in a 60,000 square ft. building. It was amazing.”

Diana was in her element and was able to get some great ideas for the Pillager flower shop.

In addition to flowers, at Cedarwood Floral shoppers will find plants, silk flowers, candles, lotions, greeting cards, balloons and other gift items. During the holiday season, wreaths and Christmas trees are also sold.

Amy anticipates being of service for a variety of

events...weddings, funerals,

special occasions, etc. “Flowers for all Seasons

& Reasons,” is the store’s logo.

Cedarwood Floral is open Monday - Friday, 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.; and Saturday, 9 a.m. - noon. For more information, call 218-746- 3970 or e-mail cedarwood@ brainerd.net.