Editor’s Note: Laterria Strong Townsend is the sister of the article’s author.
While some businesses have had to contemplate closing their doors over the past three months, Laterria Strong Townsend was in the process of opening a new one, a florist shop.
Laterria Florist came into fruition despite any hardships the pandemic may have caused. Townsend found the silver lining in a time of uncertainty.
“I felt as if I couldn’t start up a business due to the pandemic, but actually the pandemic was the best thing to happen,” said Townsend. “I had more time to focus on getting things done and accomplishing my goals that were set in order for my business to be successful.”
Townsend has always had an entrepreneurial spirit. She began doing hair and ventured into other areas like makeup, and now she is making her break in the floral business.
“I always wanted to become a florist when I learned that I have a passion for flowers. I love the beauty of flowers,” said Townsend.
Townsend met Benita Walker-Potts as her makeup artist for her wedding. From there, they became friends, and Walker-Potts saw the potential Townsend held in regard to becoming a business owner.
“Laterria is very creative and talented,” said Walker-Potts. “She has many gifts. She has an eye for design and fashion, and colors. She is a very outgoing person.” Noticing Townsend’s potential, niche for design and love for flowers, Walker-Potts encouraged Townsend to enroll in a Floral Design program.
“After she got the blueprint from taking the classes, I think that was all the motivation she needed,” said Walker-Potts. “Everything else just started falling in place for her.”
Townsend says she has received overwhelming support since opening her doors.
A gray, homey building with pink shutters sitting alongside the local Dollar General is where Laterria’s Florist offers a long list of services including fresh flowers, flower arrangements, gift delivery services, funeral arrangements and helium for balloons.
She has many aspirations for her business, while putting her customers first she said.
“I aspire to become a version of Paul Michael and Kirkland’s one day” said Townsend. “I will continuously provide quality service, constantly bring new ideas, place smiles on the faces of people in the community and people I come in contact with.”
