In the heart of our community, where every flower tells a story of resilience and rebirth, stands “A New Beginning Florist,” a testament to owner Jenifer Caldwell’s indomitable spirit. Amid the bustling streets of Moore, and now also South Oklahoma City, Jenifer has cultivated more than just blooms; she’s nurtured a sanctuary for souls seeking solace and celebration.
Her journey, marked by profound loss, has blossomed into a beacon of hope, demonstrating that from the deepest sorrows can emerge the most beautiful beginnings. This is the story of how Jenifer, through her dedication and love for floristry, transformed her grief into growth, touching the lives of so many in our community.
We sat down to unfold the petals of Jenifer’s story, from tragedy to triumph, and explore the enduring power of flowers to heal, connect, and inspire.
The Budding of A New Beginning Florist
In 2005, Jenifer embarked on what would become a transformative journey with “A New Beginning Florist,” a venture rooted in the aspirations of her friend Cheri Lineweber. Jenifer’s early days at the florist, fresh out of Westmoore High School, were filled with learning and passion—a testament to a budding career that would intertwine deeply with her personal narrative.
In the span from 2005 to 2010, Jenifers journey at “A New Beginning Florist ” transitioned from an enthusiastic employee, freshly graduated from high school, to the dedicated owner of the beloved local shop. While working her “big girl job” at the district attorney’s office, Jenifer nurtured her passion for floristry, a balancing act that showcased her commitment to her craft.
In 2010, when the opportunity arose to take over the florist shop from Cheri, Jenifer embraced the challenge.
“I was 23 and not sure…other than making pretty flowers. I was like, Well, I don’t know how to do this, but we’re going to figure it out.”
Jennifer
Stepping into ownership, she carried forward Cheri’s legacy with a blend of respect for its roots and a vision for its future. This marked a new chapter in Jenifer’s professional life, laying the foundation for the shop’s continued success and community impact.
Growth in Grief
After the unimaginable loss of both her first husband, Josh, and her father six weeks later in 2021, Jenifer poured herself into her work, with the shop becoming a sanctuary of sorts. It was during this time that a friend from high school, Tyler, stepped into her life as a significant support. Encouraging her to embrace change, he was instrumental in the relocation and rebranding of “A New Beginning Florist.”
From a deep-rooted friendship to a blossoming love, Tyler, along with his twin daughters, united with Jenifer and her daughter in marriage, turning their new family into a vibrantly blended bouquet. Together, they upheld the original name of the shop but infused it with new life through an updated logo and aesthetic, reflecting a future reimagined in the light of their shared journey through loss.
Community Engagement and Impact
A New Beginning Florist has blossomed into a community cornerstone, a place where every floral arrangement tells a story of celebration, sorrow, and everything in between. Jenifer’s dedication to her community shines through her involvement in local events, supporting animal rescues, providing not just floral arrangements but emotional support, and crafting the final tributes for loved ones with a delicate, empathetic touch.
Challenges and Overcoming Obstacles
Building a team that shares her passion and vision has been among Jenifer’s significant challenges. Yet, her resilience and commitment to creating a familial atmosphere within her business have attracted a dedicated team and loyal clientele, many of whom have followed her through the shop’s recent relocation from 4th Street in Moore to 134th and South Western in south Oklahoma City.
A Floral Ministry: Serving Joy and Sadness Alike
Jenifer views her work as a ministry, a unique opportunity to serve others with compassion and kindness during their most poignant life moments. From joyous occasions like weddings and proms to the somber farewells of funerals, A New Beginning Florist stands as a testament to the human experience, guided by her empathetic vision.
“They’ve lost something that’s been important to them. And I have sat at this very table with them.”
Jennifer
Innovation and Entrepreneurship
Ever the entrepreneur, Jenifer has introduced experiences like the Flower Bar, where customers can come in to create personalized bouquets or have the bar brought to their venue. These are fun workshops that turn floral arrangement into a communal, joyful activity. These initiatives reflect Jenifer’s forward-thinking approach and her commitment to providing a service that extends beyond mere transactions to meaningful, memorable experiences.
Imagine Dad bringing in his little ones to hand-pick a bouquet for Mommy on Mother’s Day—how much more special is that? That’s the experience that Jenifer is committed to providing, not just for the recipients of her bouquets but for the gift-giver too. That’s the sense of community, belonging, and experience that A New Beginning brings.
A Legacy of Learning and Adaptation
Reflecting on her journey, Jenifer shares insights into the continuous learning curve of entrepreneurship, from mastering the nuances of floral preservation to adapting her business model in response to challenges like COVID-19. Her story is a powerful reminder of the resilience required to navigate the uncertain waters of business ownership.
Whether you’re looking for the perfect floral expression for your most significantly joyous or sorrowful moments, or simply want to inject a bit of joy into your day, stop in and say hi to Jenifer and the team. A New Beginning Florist is just that—a reminder that every day is an opportunity for a new beginning, and it’s up to us to make the most of it.
You can get in touch with Jenifer and the team at A New Beginning Florist at their featured business profile below. You can also find them on Facebook and Instagram here:
Joseph Singleton is a contributing author and online editor for Whirlocal South OKC, Moore, and Norman, as well as the Ops Guru at HITE.
Featured Place
A New Beginning Florist
13316 S. Western Ave. Ste M
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73170
(405) 799-4492
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