New floral/decorating business in Cascade

Jessica Arbuckle, a lifelong village of Cascade resident, is enamored with her hometown, so that’s why she chose to locate her new business – Arbuckle Floral & Decorating – there.

On April 1, she opened up shop at 302 Madison Ave., in the building that includes the Cascading Waters Laundromat and the corporate offices for Marshall’s Convenience Stores. Carol Marshall Horne, president of Marshall’s Convenience Stores, owns the building.

Arbuckle Floral & Decorating is accessed by walking through the laundromat. The floral shop is situated in a cheerful spot, complete with floral arrangements and handsome displays of various gift items.

With a tagline of “We Customize Flowers with You in Mind!” Arbuckle Floral & Decorating is a fullservice floral business.

“We provide the highest quality floral and gift items around,” the business Web site states. “Our experienced designers can create floral designs that will compliment any occasion and meet your budget and style expectations as well. We also offer daily delivery service to all local funeral homes and hospitals.”

Among the gift items available at Arbuckle Floral & Decorating are: green and blooming plants; garden stakes; wall hangings; dish gardens; gift baskets; metal art by Gus Johnson; bird houses and feeders by Mike Schneider, Arbuckle’s brother-in-law; home décor; greeting cards; scented candles; all-occasion balloons; garlands; wedding items and handmade jewelry by Michelle Arbuckle, the owner’s sister-in-law.

Michelle is also Arbuckle’s business partner for wedding florals.

The two began that aspect of the business about five years ago in Arbuckle’s basement, delivering the wedding and funeral arrangements throughout Sheboygan County and as far as Oshkosh, upon request.

“We started having open houses for weddings at my home,” Arbuckle, daughter of Cascade residents Margie and Ken Arbuckle, recalled. “Then customers started asking for arrangements for all occasions.

“Later, with the business expanding, I began looking for a shop here in Cascade. I called Carol Marshall Horne to find out if she might know of anything available, and she recommended this spot.”

Arbuckle offers nationwide wire service through the Flower Shop Network, via her Web site at www.arbucklefloral.com

A 1997 Plymouth High School graduate, she discovered her creative niche in 2002, while working parttime at Bemis Upland Springs Floral in Batavia.

“Before that, I had worked as an assistant manager at Homes for Independent Living in Sheboygan and had worked in a few factories,” she said. “But while I was working at Bemis Upland Floral, I realized that working with flowers was what I wanted to do.”

Back then, much of her time was devoted to raising her daughter Vanessa, now 11. When Vanessa was of school age, Arbuckle sought full-time employment and was hired at Gibbsville Cheese Co. Inc., where she continues to work, while also being in charge of her floral business. A family member or Madonna Schneider, Arbuckle’s friend, takes over at the shop while Arbuckle is working at the cheese company.

After resigning her position at Bemis Upland Springs Floral, she pursued her dream of becoming a floral designer.

“When I started at Gibbsville Cheese, I enrolled in an online floral designer course through the Penn Foster Career School,” Arbuckle said.

Within 18 months, on Oct. 22, 2007, she earned her certification. Meanwhile, she and her sister-in-law Michelle had begun doing flower arrangements for weddings. She prefers to have a three to six-month notice prior to weddings but in many cases, can accommodate requests upon a shorter notice.

Arbuckle says business at her floral and decorating shop has been picking up. “My goal for the future is to work in my flower business full-time,” she said.

She is grateful to have her own business, which she describes as a “family affair.”

“I feel really loved by my family,” Arbuckle said. “I know that the continued support I receive from my family and close friends is what has helped make my dream a reality.”

Her mother does the bookkeeping and assists with deliveries, when needed.

“My mom and dad have been a big inspiration to me and support,” Arbuckle said. “My mom has great business advice when I need it, and I need a lot of it these days.”

Arbuckle’s daughter assists her with shop displays and cleaning. “She always critiques my work and lets me know if it looks good,” Arbuckle said.

Her sister Jennifer Schneider shops for unique vases and containers for arrangements in the shop, while her sister-in-law Joy Arbuckle assists with advertising and shops for decorating supplies.

Arbuckle’s brother Frank Arbuckle helps her find antiques and unique items to decorate her shop, while sister-in-law Tera Arbuckle does the advertising lettering in the front window of the building.

Her brother Francis Arbuckle allows the use of his truck for deliveries, when needed. Arbuckle said having her own business is exciting. “I love making floral arrangements,” she said. Her friend Sara McMullen assists with advertising.

Friends Betty and Keith Babler helped set up the shop and obtain the fresh-flower cooler inside the shop.

“It is always exciting to deliver wedding flowers to a soon-to-be bride. There is nothing like the look of excitement on her face, when she sees her wedding flowers and realizes her dream has come true.”

Regarding another aspect of her business, “A fresh floral arrangement or bouquet is always a great way to show someone you care,” Arbuckle said.

A popular feature of her business is her Birthday Club. Those who sign up receive a $5 on their birthdays to be used toward the purchase of items at Arbuckle Floral & Decorating.

“I have lived in Cascade my whole life. I think that the small-town atmosphere is a great place for my floral shop. It is my way of giving something back to the community and helping make Cascade a great place to live,” she added.

“At Arbuckle Floral & Decorating, ‘The Beauty is in the Details.’ Come and see me soon.” Note: For further information, phone 920-528-8798, or send an e-mail to arbucklefloraldecorating@yahoo.com