Flowers, Family, and a Small Business That Keeps Growing

Karen grew up in South Bend with her parents and three older siblings. Their family budget never allowed trips to Disney World, but they did spend summers at Lake Michigan. The lake visits left a strong smell in the family’s memories, a scent that made Karen think of flowers instead. She now owns Palace of Flowers for 43 years, 35 of them as the owner. Her mornings begin with a smile and a bouquet. She learned to identify roses from her father, who tended more than 50 bushes in his garden. Those quiet moments walking among the blooms taught her patience and attention to detail. After graduating from Washington High in 1979, a counselor suggested law enforcement, but Karen followed her love of nature. She took a floral‑arrangement class and applied for a job at Palace of Flowers in 1982. The shop was founded by Joe, who opened it in 1948; his brother Hank had joined soon after. Karen bought the business from Marcia in 1990 and later built a new location with help from her brother, an electrician. The shop is a West Side landmark, but online ordering has expanded its reach far beyond the neighborhood. Her staff includes a delivery driver and a part‑time designer, though she can run the shop alone on many days.Taking over at 27, Karen faced a steep learning curve in accounting and inventory during a recession. A former teacher reminded her she had missed the lesson on economic downturns, prompting Karen to study harder. Valentine’s Day is her busiest day; she plans it right after Christmas, knowing men often need help picking the perfect bouquet. She greets each customer with a question about their partner’s tastes, offering creative solutions when they’re unsure. At home she tends a garden with sections named Mom’s Garden, Zen Garden, and Studebaker Garden. Her cat L. C. accompanies her daily walks among the plants, and she talks to flowers while arranging bouquets in the shop. Customer connections matter deeply to her. A woman from Florida once asked if flowers were necessary for a low‑key funeral; Karen explained it would be the last chance to honor her mother, and the woman chose flowers anyway. She also receives odd requests, like a funeral home wanting a decorated Christmas tree for a psychic’s service. A customer jokingly threatened her after she refused an overpriced tree, and the next day Karen had a flat tire. Roses are her favorite scent; she believes no bottle can replicate their aroma. She wonders whether kind people grow roses or if growing roses makes people kind.