Exploring Life & Business with Brenda Ski of The Petal Wagon LLC

Today we’d like to introduce you to Brenda Ski

Hi Brenda, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
My love of flowers started at a young age when I was introduced to floral design in my local 4-H group. I fell in love with the beauty and creativity that went into making an arrangement. I got my first job in a flower shop when I was in high school through a co-op program and continue there until I graduated in 1989.
I landed my first part-time floral designer job at another local shop that same year. Later that year I married the love of my life Keith.
Only one month after we married Keith was diagnosed with a brain tumor. He under went brain surgery 2 months later and I went from a part-time college student on a scholarship/floral designer to a full time floral designer soul income provider.
Keith’s recovery was long, but he beat all odds and was able to eventually return to work again.
After going through such a devasting ordeal we both decide starting a family was in our future.
I continued to work as a designer until our son Travis was born in December of 1991. I left my job I loved to be able to stay home and raise our son. I absolutely loved being able to stay at home with our son, but I missed being able to use my creativity.
I eventually was able to find a part time position at a Christmas store in our area that I could work a few hours in the afternoon after my husband got off work designing arrangements and trees. I continued doing this until our daughter Kendra was born in 1993. I again took a hiatus from the floral world to raise my family.
My next opportunity came when I wasn’t looking for a job. I received a call from a local flower shop owner who was given my name by one of her designers. She was looking for someone to make artificial arrangements and heard I had past experience. What started as a part-time gig, turned out to be one of the best full time jobs I have had. The owner was amazing, she knew how important my family was and provided me employment that incorporate my family. When I became pregnant with our 3rd child Meghan in 1995 rather than losing me, she built a nursey at the shop so I could bring her with me to work and not miss any of the special times. When my husband had to undergo another brain surgery in 1996, she was there for me and my family. I worked 7 years for her. When she told me she wanted to retire Keith and I compilated purchasing the business, however our children were still young and I did not want to sacrifice the time that owning a business would take.
That is when my next opportunity came. A competing shop heard of the closing of my current shop and approached me with a offer I couldn’t pass.
I worked the next 22 years at this shop. 11 of those years I had the honor to work alongside my mom who had retired from her Postmaster position and found that retirement was not for her. She started as counter help, but eventually allowed me to teach her the art of design. She turned out t be a beautiful designer before she passed away in 2009. I will forever cherish those 11 years and the memories I was able to make with her.
My children were now all grown and out of school and owning my own business was still a dream I wanted to accomplish. The owner and I spoke often of me purchasing the shop when she retired. Unfortunately life threw a wrench in those plans when Keith’s health took another turn and he was put on permanent disability and unable to be alone for long time frames or drive. The need for me to be there for him and the fact that my boss was not ready to retire pushed me to making the best decision of my life. I started The Petal Wagon LLC, my homebased full service floral business specializing in weddings in 2021.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
The change from working for someone to owning and operating my own has not been as hard as I thought it would be. I contribute this to my years of managing the shop I worked 22 years at.
Working in a small shop there were many times that I was the only employee there. So taking, making and sometimes delivering orders is something I am accustomed to. This is not without saying that it hasn’t been difficult at times, but nothing worth doing is easy.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about The Petal Wagon LLC?
I am a homebased florist specializing in all things wedding. With over 37 years experience I can offer the knowledge and skill to help you create the wedding of your dreams. From bridal bouquet, personal flowers, arch florals, centerpieces and everything in between I can help you make your visions come true.
I offer a large inventory of rental items for centerpieces, candles, arches and more that helps to keep purchasing cost minimal for my couples. I work with fresh, artificial as well as wood flowers.

So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you?
Anyone that would be interested in contacting me for further details or to schedule a free consultation. May reach out via email @ brendaski71@gmail.com., via phone @ 810-841-8803, via messenger Facebook @ The Petal Wagon LLC, or
Instagram @ thepetalwagonllc.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: thepetalwagonllc
• Facebook: The Petal Wagon LLC