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

Hi Sheri, thanks for joining us today. We’d love to go back in time and hear the story of how you came up with the name of your brand?

When it came to naming my business, I had a very clear vision from the start. In recent years I have become somewhat attached to my father’s family farm in Eastern Kentucky. It is a beautiful and peaceful place away from the hustle and bustle of suburban living! And the coolest part is that is has been in our family for 6 generations! My husband and I have a tentative plan to move there someday so to me, naming my flower business Kentucky 1871 Flowers was a no brainer. It celebrates the history of my family while also giving a nod to the future of my flower passion.

Sheri, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

As so many people did during COVID, I had lots of time to soul search and stumbled upon the industry of local flower farming. One of my bucket list items has been to have fresh flowers in my house when I become rich and famous. Well the rich and famous has not evolved but having fresh flowers in my house has come to fruition.

I am entering my 4th year of commercial flower growing on my small plot (<1/4 acre) in rural Fuquay Varina, NC. I am originally from Kentucky, thus the name of my business and my slogan is “Kentucky roots grown well in North Carolina.”

My first job out of college was working for a public accounting firm but I quickly realized my passion for entrepreneurship after our first son was born prematurely. I wanted desperately to stay at home with him but still contribute in someway to our household. Twenty-five years later and nearly 20 years as a successful franchised Jazzercise instructor, I have settled on growing flowers and sharing them with our community. As an alumni of the Floret, Gardener’s workshop and the Tulip Workshop commercial growing courses, I am finding so much joy in putting this knowledge into practice!

My business has pivoted in 2023 as I have ventured into the wholesale and CSA realm of flower producing. I have also limited the varieties of flowers that I grow but also increased the volume thus being able to take on wholesale requests. I am growing tulips, anemones, ranunculus, lilies and sunflowers. The coolest thing is that I am hydroponically growing tulips this winter and should be harvesting tulips in mid January, 2024!

Flowers can be purchased January – November online, at the Fuquay Varina Growers Market or locally at 121 Raleigh Street in Fuquay Varina.

Alright – let’s talk about marketing or sales – do you have any fun stories about a risk you’ve taken or something else exciting on the sales and marketing side?

It was late March and just the beginning of flower season for me. Very little was blooming this time of year and I had a last minute request from a very special client to design a floral arrangement for a photo shoot. I did not want to say no and I wanted to provide a stunning piece. With the help of a dear friend and through the efforts of a bit of foraging, I was able to pair my beautiful tulips with some foliage and greens, It turned out to be my best work to date and was perfect for the special photo shoot!

What’s worked well for you in terms of a source for new clients?

I have found that my exposure to the community through the Fuquay Varina Growers Market has helped to boost my clientele. There is nothing like putting flowers into the hands of people who share your sense of supporting small businesses.

I also joined a women’s small business entrepreneurs group on Facebook in early 2022 and this completely changed the trajectory of my business. It gave me exposure to other like minded women and opened the door to amazing relationships. I have been able to support these women owned businesses as well!

Contact Info:

• Website: www.kentucky1871flowers.com
• Instagram: Kentucky1871Flowers
• Facebook: Kentucky 1871 Flowers

Image Credits
Emerald Pine Collective