Geek Chic Floral Boutique

Geek Chic Floral Boutique – An alternative flower store (and so much more) has opened at 57 Genesee Street in Avon, NY.  The twenty-six year old owner of the store, Anna Prouty, is an accountant turned maker.  Prouty first created her signature sola wood and recycled paper bouquets for her own wedding, as an alternative to cut flowers that she could keep and display.  This small gesture grew into a passion that soon outgrew her home. 

The store’s grand opening was August 4th and I spoke with Prouty as she was wrapping up the finishing touches for her retail space, which is just doors away from the Park Theatre.  The theatre’s planned renovation was, she shared, one of the reasons for the Genesee Street location choice.

Prouty wants the space to not only showcase her work, but also the work of other area crafts people.  She already has works on display from eleven other local businesses, including Avon-based Evening Star Coffee Roasters and several members of her family.  Prouty wants the space to be a welcoming makers’ space, and each artist will have a “shelf talker” with a picture for a more personal shopping experience. 

There is also a sustainability focus, both in the store interior – much of which was made from locally salvaged material – and in the products.  One of Prouty’s favorite product lines is “Knitters on a Mission,” knitted goods made by Mother-daughter trio Linda and Lillian Sliwoski and Alannah DeHond, where 100% of the proceeds (including the store’s usual commission) will go to Romanian women and orphanages.

A woman walking by on Genesee Street stepped in, hopeful that the store was open.  A bit disappointed that it was not, she promised to stop back and check it out soon.  I have no doubt that Anna Prouty will be ready for the eager visitors likely to stroll in, attracted by the bright welcoming décor, the large selection of interesting creations and, of course, the flowers displayed throughout the store.