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Featured Vendor of the Month, “Flourish – a Petite Boutique”

Hi, My name is Leslie Kirkland and I am proud to introduce myself as a vendor of the Emporium. My story begins back in 1996 when I started The Enchanted Florist. I began by selling flowers curbside during the major floral holidays. It then grew into a unique and fun flower shop with our first retail shop at the A Street Marketplace. After a few moves and 20 successful years later, I ended up selling the shop so I could have more time with my kids and some personal time off. After terribly missing flowers, I am so happy to have an outlet again for my creative endeavors. My passion is still flowers and always will be. Flourish is a booth where you can find gifts for any occasion. Items range from potted succulents, fun plants, to one of a kind vintage items, hand painted signs, and now offering fresh wrapped bouquets which are freshened a few times a week. You will also find unique furniture pieces. I also enjoy recycling, upcycling, and repurposing furniture. Over 80 percent of the items in my booth are handmade. Other items you will find in my booth include handcrafted flowers made out of crepe paper, real air plants, woodland moss hangings, vintage style posters, hand crafted bigfoot lightboxes, chic wreaths, faux and dried floral arrangements, my own potpourri blends and handmade beeswax candles.

As you walk into the Ashland Artisan Emporium, my booth is second row from the left, third booth on the right. My booth space (#426) is named Flourish.

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Ashland Artisan Emporium

The Ashland Artisan Emporium is owned by Michelle Christian, wife and mother of 3 daughters. Her husband, Travis, is the business manager for Adroit Construction in Ashland, Oregon. The Emporium was the vision of Michael Rydbom, Michelle's father. In April of 2010, Michael asked his daughter if she would be willing to help transform the old DJ's Video space into a crafter's marketplace. Michelle had always admired her dad's entrepreneurial spirit and was eager to make him proud, so even though she already had two kids, a real estate career and one more daughter on the way, she said yes. On November 1, 2010, the store opened it's doors to a welcome reception from the community. They were voted Best New Business of 2010 only months later by the Ashland Sneak Preview. Within weeks of opening, the store was at capacity and had quickly become the "go-to" store for all things unique and affordable.

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