Today we’d like to introduce you to Lindsey Ruffer.
Hi Lindsey, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Kids, a divorce, starting over, going back to school for master’s degree, becoming the modern day brady bunch, and topping it off with adding a horse dog, I started to have the opportunity to connect back with nature. I quickly remembered how much peace it brought me.
I started reading any book I could, turned our small apartment into a jungle.. so much so the balcony was taken over by plants as well. Newly engaged, my future husband and I took a trip to Washington, DC for a miniature painting convention (his hobby turned passion project). While he learned all the painting and miniature related things, I explored all the plant and flower shops I could. I instantly fell in love with the atmosphere each of these shops created. In particular Rewild and PLNTR. I knew I wanted to create something like this one day in my community.
During the trip I took a class by Fenella on bouquet arrangements. In a short few hour class I learned so much, and realized this was my next step. Plus.. we had no more room in our apartment for another houseplant.
When we returned I started daydreaming about opening a floral boutique one day, thinking about what my goal would be, and the impact that I hoped it would make.
Now that we have a home, 4 kids, a horse dog, and a yard.. my passion project is starting to grow even more. Now I have a store front in downtown Charlotte, and am fortunate enough to now do this full time!
While brainstorming a name I knew I wanted to include our Great Dane and four kids in some way. After lots and lots of brainstorming I discovered that daisy’s were the flower of Denmark.. which is also where Great Danes originated from.
I started to explore different daisy variety’s that I would want to grow.. and the oopsey daisy instantly felt right. To include all the different aspects I wanted to in the name, Oopsey Danesy Floral Boutique became the official name. On the logo you’ll notice there are 4 daisy’s as well, one for each kid.
In shop we offer houseplants, floral arrangements, signature floral bouquet “lattes” (bouquet in a cute coffee cup), workshops, apparel, candles, pet accessories, and hand sewn gifts! We also have a free mommy and me event every Monday at 10am!
I feel so honored to have this opportunity to foster community and bring people together in one tiny flower shop, in our small town!
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Opening Oopsey Danesy has been a labor of love filled with unexpected challenges, long nights, and constant problem-solving. From transforming an 800 sq ft downtown space into a cozy, vintage floral boutique to carefully designing every detail-layout, branding, website, merchandise, and floral offerings- every step required intention and resilience.
Navigating startup costs, sourcing inventory, choosing the right POS and website platforms, balancing creative vision with budget realities, and building brand awareness in a small-town market all came with steep curves. There were decisions about insurance, suppliers, pricing strategies, marketing, and community partnerships- all while trying to create something truly unique and upscale in our area + raise 4 kids and our horse dog in the mix!
Every obstacle has strengthened the vision and clarified the mission: to create a warm, welcoming, beautifully curated space that feels special the moment you walk in. My husband’s unconditional support and encouragement has been everything- and would not have been able to do it without him.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Oopsey Danesy ?
Oopsey Danesy is a floral boutique in downtown Charlotte, Michigan. We specialize in thoughtfully designed fresh floral arrangements, custom bouquets, grab and go $12 floral “latte” bouquets, and unique botanical gifts with a cozy, upscale feel.
More than just a flower shop, Oopsey Danesy is a curated boutique experience. In addition to everyday and special occasion florals, refillable flower mug subscriptions, plant-themed merchandise, apparel, home decor, and whimsical gifts (including a few silly goose surprises).
We focus on community, creativity, and meaningful moments- hosting workshops, collaborating with local makers, and creating memorable in-shop experiences. Every arrangement and product is designed with intention, quality, and a touch of playful elegance.
At Oopsey Danesy, we believe flowers aren’t just for special-occasions- they’re for everyday joy.
Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
Yes, absolutely! I read the book, The Pumpkin Plan by Mike Michalowicz, Flower School by Calvert Crary, Flower Color Theory by Michael Putnam, Forever Flowers by Ann Lindsay, How to NOT Kill Your Houseplant by Veronica Peerless, as well as following other florists and boutique owners on social media for inspiration and advice!
Pricing:
- $12 grab and go floral “latte bouquets
- Graphic T’s & Apparel starting at $15
- Houseplants starting at $12
- Candles starting at $12
- Custom Bouquets starting at $25
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.shopoopseydanesy.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oopsey.danesy
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61574556367128#
