Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Jamie Platte. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Jamie, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Being a business owner can be really hard sometimes. It’s rewarding, but most business owners we’ve spoken sometimes think about what it would have been like to have had a regular job instead. Have you ever wondered that yourself? Maybe you can talk to us about a time when you felt this way?

My husband Marc and I are in the unique situation of owning a business and working together. We work every day for 6 months out of the year, then a more normal schedule for 3 months, and for the remaining 3 months we plan and work to make the next year successful. There are many nights, especially at the end of the summer, where we wonder together whether this crazy schedule is worth it. We miss family events and vacations, get togethers with friends, and pretty much everything that makes Northern Michigan summers great. Wouldn’t it be lovely to just work 40 hours a week and come home at the end of the workday to do whatever we want? However, we always come back to the realization that we love what we do. I get to create so many amazing florals, using many of the flowers Marc grows, and we are so lucky to be able to do so! We always get excited about the upcoming year over the winter, shopping seeds and for me dreaming up wedding and event florals. I am very hands on at my business, and I wouldn’t have it any other way, since the creating is what I love. This business only works if we give a ton in the summer months, like almost every other business in Northern Michigan.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

In 1923 Arthur Pontius left the printing business and started A.R. Pontius Flower Shop with his wife, Florence. They grew award-winning gladiolus and lilies in the lot behind the shop and sold them in the same location the shop is in today, on Main Street, in beautiful Harbor Springs, Michigan. I grew up in Petoskey, just across Little Traverse Bay. In 2007 I moved back to Northern Michigan from San Francisco; I had spent the previous 10 years earning a vocal music degree and pursuing a performance career. A friend knew I had experience in gardening and plants and suggested I apply as a florist where he was working. I got the job.
In 2013 I bought A.R. Pontius Flower Shop from my aunt, Nancy Rondel. In the years since my staff and I have designed and provided flowers for nearly 450 weddings and uncounted events and special occasions. We have created and delivered thousands of bouquets and arrangements, and we also grow flowers on our farm just north of Harbor Springs.
I love my job. I am extremely grateful to all of the clients that let me create for them, and I am so proud to own a 100-year-old flower shop.

We are unique to the floral business as we design every arrangement, every event, uniquely. Each arrangement we create is an ephemeral work of art, using the freshest, seasonal blooms that are available to us, and we do not copy our past work or anyone else’s designs.
When I bought the business, my aunt Nancy had built her clientele on customer service. We continue to be known for excellent customer service. Employees that come back year after year, so these employees also have relationships with the clients as well. My sister has worked as a floral designer at Pontius Flower Shop for 18 years- for my aunt and now for me. My best friend is the manager, and other florists are lifelong friends. These friendships make work a joy and that is reflected in our designs and customer service.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

Growing up I wanted to be a performer. I was in the all the local musicals, the Petoskey Madrigals, and was an excellent French Horn player. I earned a vocal music degree at EMU, and after graduating moved to California to continue this pursuit. I played some great parts in plays and musicals during my time there, met wonderful people, and was happy for several years. But one audition especially stands out; I went to a commercial audition, the directives were just to come dressed as a “nerd”. I didn’t know what the commercial would be for, and when I got there I discovered they were just filming each person dancing, and if they used your dancing in the commercial they would send you a check. When I left, I knew the business wasn’t for me anymore, I felt like I just sold my soul. That commercial could have been for anything! I started rethinking my life, and ended up moving back to Northern Michigan shortly after. Making money as a performer in Northern Michigan is just as hard as in California, it turns out. I kept performing and started teaching voice students, but also began working for a local florist. This led to purchasing ARPontius Flower Shop, and 12 years later here I am!

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

First, I am rewarded as an artist myself daily. Each arrangement is a work of art, but sometimes the particulars come together in a super satisfying way. Also, I am full of ideas when it comes to floral installations at weddings and events, so when these large scale florals come to life on the day of the event it is extremely rewarding! However, it is equally satisfying when my staff creates something gorgeous. As a business owner, I know how hard they work to create what is often my vision, so when they are happy and proud of their creation, I am, too.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.pontiusflowers.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arpontius
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PontiusFlowerShop

Image Credits
Photos feature Jamie Platte, Rachael Brushaber, Amanda Ehrnst. All taken by ARPontius.