Today we’d like to introduce you to Tracy Weeks.
Hi Tracy, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
After 29 years as a special education teacher, I’ve always been a ‘hometown girl’ at heart. Throughout my career in the classroom, I often found myself at the center of school events, discovering a hidden passion for decorating and floral design.
In 2020, a simple trip to Flowers De Linda’s changed my life. I went in looking for rose clippings to grow in my own garden; I walked out with a vision for my future. When Ms. Linda shared she was ready to retire, I knew I wanted to preserve her legacy. After a summer spent learning the art of design under her expert guidance, my family and I took the leap. Today, I am proud to carry on the tradition of this shop, blending Ms. Linda’s classic techniques with my own lifelong love for our community.
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?
I’ve spent my life as a teacher, and after 29 years in Special Education, I thought I knew what a ‘challenge’ looked like. But stepping out of the classroom and behind the counter of a small business was a whole new lesson plan.
The road hasn’t always been smooth. While I had the ‘eye’ for design, I didn’t have the formal training. I was learning the delicate language of flowers on the fly, often under the pressure of a holiday rush. Beyond the artistry, I faced the steep mountain of retail reality: navigating federal requirements, mastering inventory, and understanding the complex financials that keep a small-town shop alive.
There were days when the learning curve felt steeper than I expected, but my years in the classroom taught me one thing: perseverance. Every arrangement I’ve made since 2020 has been a combination of Ms. Linda’s mentorship, my family’s unwavering support, and a lot of ‘on-the-job’ bravery. I may have started as a teacher, but I’ve become a student of this beautiful business, and I’m honored to grow alongside my community.”
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
My Background & Expertise
While I am now the owner of The Flower Shoppe of Manning, my journey began in the classroom. I am a proud graduate of Winthrop University with a degree in Special Education, followed by a Master’s in Divergent Learning from Columbia College and a second Master’s in Psychology from Capella University.
For 29 years, I dedicated my life to understanding how people learn, think, and feel. Today, I use that same deep empathy to help my clients express their most important emotions—whether it’s the joy of a wedding or the comfort needed during a time of loss.
The “On-the-Job” Artistry The transition wasn’t always easy. I traded my grade book for a ledger and had to learn the complexities of retail and business financials from the ground up. While I had the desire to design, I had to be brave enough to be a student again. Under the mentorship of Ms. Linda and other experts in the field, I’ve spent the last few years refining my craft.
I now specialize in:
Custom Sympathy Tributes: Using my background in psychology to provide empathy and comfort through floral art.
Seasonal Garden-Style Arrangements: Capturing the natural, fleeting beauty of each season.
Personalized Design: Ensuring that every arrangement that leaves my shop is as unique as the person receiving it.
My Greatest Pride Beyond the blooms
My heart belongs to my family. I have been married to my husband for nearly 25 years, and we have two children who make us incredibly proud. They are kind, considerate, and the backbone of my support system. When you walk into my shop, you aren’t just a customer—you’re a neighbor, and I’m honored to help you share your story through flowers.
What Sets Us Apart: The Art of Listening
What truly sets my work apart is the bridge between my past and my present. Because of my background in psychology and education, I don’t just “take an order.” I listen to the story behind the gift.
I understand that flowers are a language of their own—they speak when words aren’t enough. I take great pride in ensuring your specific message is delivered perfectly through our designs. Whether I am creating for someone I have known my entire life or for a neighbor I’ve just met, I am deeply honored to be a part of your most meaningful life events. From the highest joys to the quietest moments of grief, I pour my heart into every stem, knowing that I am helping you share yours.
Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
One of the most humbling lessons I’ve learned on this journey is that I don’t have to be everything to everyone–that’s really been hard. In a small town, there is room for more than one vision of beauty. Our local fellow florists do stunning work, and I’ve had to learn that it’s okay if a neighbor chooses a different shop for their occasion.
I’ve learned to stop taking ‘choice’ personally and instead embrace the friendly competition that keeps our town vibrant. My goal isn’t to be the only florist; it’s to be the right florist for the person who needs my specific touch, my background, and my unique eye for design. By honoring the talent around me, I can focus more clearly on the art I am meant to create.
Pricing:
- all price ranges
Contact Info:
- Website: https://theflowershoppeofmanning.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theflowershoppeofmanning
- Facebook: The Flower Shoppe of Manning
