Member Spotlight: Always Beautiful Floral Design Studio

Photos courtesy of Michele Buono Photography

The thrill of owning a downtown business is still fresh for Alice Yates.

“Sometimes I drive by at night to see the shop all lit up, just to make sure it looks good,” Yates said.

Alice Yates loves brides. She loves providing fresh funeral flowers as a loving comfort and last tribute.

And she loves selling a “just because” fresh bouquet any day of the week – spilling over with roses, spectacular lilies, vibrant Gerbera daisies or maybe an exotic stem or two.

In fact, the florist and owner of Always Beautiful moved from her long-time Quakertown Farmers Market location last year to West Broad Street in downtown Quakertown for a change of scenery, and a change of pace.

 A floral professional for 45 years, Yates said she’s excited to walk through the door of her shop each and every day.

“It’s refreshing to look out of the windows and see everyone,” Yates said.

But what Yates didn’t expect when she settled into her downtown location was to build camaraderie – and therefore important relationships – between downtown retailers.

A recent UBCC member Yates said it was “time to join” after holding off on chamber membership for several years.

As a chamber member she can tap into ways to help promote her business and events and receive instant networking opportunities from other local chamber members.

The downtown camaraderie and contacts helped create the first Quakertown Bridal Stroll, held in April. It’s a unique event Yates spearheaded.

“I want people to walk into my shop, and I want people to walk into everyone else’s shop,” Yates said of the event’s genesis.
The second annual Quakertown Bridal Stroll will be held from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 3.

Yates said the goal is to offer two bridal strolls per year – one each in spring and fall, covering two of the post popular time intervals for weddings while keeping brides-to-be up to date on trends, colors, textures and just about everything bridal.

From men’s formal wear at Fischer’s Tuxedo to gowns at All Things Bridal a few paces away, Yates said the downtown offers a unique opportunity to have it all - and all on foot: Catering, clothing, flowers, hair, nails and make-up, spa treatments, cakes and dessert table sweets, and more.

“Where else can you park once and walk to just about every vendor you’ll need for a wedding,” Yates said.

For more information on Always Beautiful Floral Design Studio visit www.alwaysbeautifulflowers.net or call 215.536.9227.
 
If you go:

Registration is recommended but not necessary. Brides and their guests receive a map and “passport” which they can get stamped at each participating business. Raffle baskets offer a chance for gifts and significant savings.  The Quakertown Bridal Stroll is free of charge.

The Second Annual Quakertown Bridal Stroll will take place from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 3 in downtown Quakertown.
Stroll the block from 300 to 400 Broad Street for all your bridal needs; no tickets required. For more information email quakertownbridalstroll@gmail.com or visit the Facebook Event Page at www.facebook.com/events/590447031288328.