After 50 years in the biz, Don St. Pierre — a designer from one of our favorite local flower shops, Heather’s Way Flowers & Plants — is retiring and finally finding time to stop and smell the roses.

Since 1959, St. Pierre has arranged and rearranged, twisted and tied, bundled and bucked thousands of bouquets, corsages and arrangements. He has created bridal bouquets for weddings spanning 3 generations!

In an interview with the Jonesboro Sun, St. Pierre explains: the tastes of customers have remained the same throughout the years, but other things have changed. “The prices are different, the sprays were $3.50 when I started. Now they are $55 to $75 to start.”

In items collected over the years in business, a note from 1963: “It says ‘minimum delivery is $1 and a minimum spray is $5,’” St. Pierre said. “Everyone used to close at noon on Thursday, and a boutonniere was 75 cents. They’re now about $6 a piece.”

Heather McMinn, owner of Heather’s Way Flowers in Jonesboro, AR says she likes to hear him talk about the differences between then and now. His 50 years of experience has helped her greatly with her flower business.

“When he started, they had greenhouses. Today you have to go online through wholesalers or through local growers,” McMinn said. “Today the roses come from Ecuador. It is definitely an honor for me to work with him. When I got started, I was scared, but his experience helped.”

When asked about what he plans to do after retirement, St. Pierre says he doesn’t know. He’s always worked.

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You guys may remember Heather from our video interview about Prom Corsage Trends.

Article sponsored by local Jonesboro, AR Florists