From Delivery Driver to Owner: A Florist’s Journey
It all began in September of 1999. Jessie Hartwell, owner of Keizer Florist, first dipped her toes into floristry as a delivery driver for a flower shop in Salem. What started as a simple job evolved into a profound passion, leading her to work her way up from deliveries to arranging flowers, and eventually owning her own shop. And on April 4th, 2025, Jessie celebrates her 12th year at Keizer Florist. Congratulations, Jessie!
In a candid reflection, Ms. Hartwell admitted that owning a flower shop was never her childhood dream. Unlike many who grow up with a green thumb nurtured in their grandmother’s garden, her journey was unexpected. Yet, this unconventional path led to a profound love for the craft. “I absolutely love what I do,” Jessie shared, highlighting the joy she finds in creating beautiful arrangements for all aspects of life, from birth to death and everything in between. Helping families express their feelings during difficult times is one of the most rewarding aspects of her work. “It’s a real bonding experience,” she noted, underscoring the deep connections formed with customers.
The Personal Touch
One of the most distinguishing features of Keizer Florist is the personalized experience offered to each customer. Many patrons return time and again, not just for the high-quality flowers but for the warm, personal service. Jessie and her dedicated co-workers, who she prefers to call “co-workers” rather than employees, make it a point to remember their customers and their preferences.
Customers often entrust the shop with creative freedom, allowing the team to craft unique and beautiful arrangements. This trust is a testament to the quality and reliability of their work. Jessie acknowledges that while creativity is a daily requirement, it can sometimes be challenging during high-volume time such as holidays, to find the time to innovate amid the demands of running a small business. Grateful for the extra help during holidays, she and her co-workers Cris, Marilyn, Hailey, Samantha, her daughter Kaela, plus her husband and Rita (delivery crew), strive to inject creativity into every bouquet, ensuring that each piece is both beautiful and meaningful.
Quality & Service
Keizer Florist offers a wide range of services, from birthday and anniversary bouquets to sympathy arrangements. While weddings aren’t a primary focus due to the shop’s small team, they do take on smaller, manageable weddings when possible.
Operating from 9:00am to 4:00pm, Monday through Friday, Keizer Florist prides itself on being a staple in the local community. The decision to close on Saturdays was made to ensure a work-life balance, allowing Jessie to spend time with her two grandchildren. This choice reflects a broader philosophy of valuing quality of life over constant work.
Giving Back to Keizer
Keizer Florist is not just a business; it’s a community partner. The shop regularly contributes to local organizations, including the Keizer Fire Department, Department of Human Services, and CASA of Marion County. While these donations are, according to Ms. Hartwell, often modest, they are always made with a heart full of generosity. Jessie emphasizes the importance of giving back, but acknowledges the limitations that come with being a small business. “It isn’t always easy, given our size compared to larger corporations,” she explains, highlighting the challenge of balancing business needs with community support.
Beyond formal donations, Keizer Florist enjoys brightening the days of local seniors. The shop frequently delivers flowers to local retirement homes, spreading joy, beauty, and communicating value to our seniors. In addition, Jessie’s commitment to community service extends to partnerships with various local schools and organizations, offering discounts and special arrangements.
A Bright Future
Looking ahead, Jessie expresses contentment with her current life. Owning the shop fulfills her bucket list, allowing her to spend quality time with her children and grandchildren, and enjoy life’s simple pleasures. Jessie’s primary focus remains on maintaining the high quality and personal service that customers have come to expect.
Keizer Florist is more than just a business; it’s a beloved part of the Keizer community. The shop’s dedication to quality, personal service, and community involvement has cemented its place as a local treasure. As Jessie reflects on her journey so far, she expresses deep gratitude for the customers who have supported her through the years, making the florist not just a place to buy flowers, but a community hub filled with stories, laughter, and the occasional tear.
