Downtown Spotlight with Sonja Grahn and Sarah McAllister, owners of Botanica Florals

Tell us about yourselves:

Owners Sonja Grahn and Sarah McAllister are sisters who grew up in Vermont and appreciate its beautiful and varied landscape. 

Combining our talents in floral design and retail management seemed like a natural move when we opened Botanica Florals in July of 2011. In 2012, Ferdinand joined our team. He is an English golden retriever who is an expert in customer relations.

What makes your business unique?

We focus on the local experience. We don’t use mass marketed wire services with point and click arrangements. The flowers you see on our website are actual examples of our work. We buy from several local growers, while keeping a close eye on the global flower market, which can be so critical for weddings and events. We get new product in several times a week to make sure we have the freshest flowers and greens.  

What do you like about having a business in Montpelier?

We love our customers!  They are wonderfully loyal and make our business a joy. We also think our downtown business neighbors are the best.

What is something people might not know about your business?

Most people do not realize that our store hours comprise only part of our business. We do many events on the weekends, when the store may be closed. 

Do you have a favorite flower?

Our favorite flowers? That’s like asking a parent for a favorite child. The changing seasons bring such diverse blooms. They each have their own beauty.