Two Buds Bloom

By Carolyn Dunn
For the Economic Development Corporation of Manitowoc County

With almost twenty years of retail and floral design experience between the two of them, Cindy Jageman and Christine Bialek didn’t have much difficulty envisioning the reality of the shop they would call Two Buds Floral and Gift Gallery. It was the nuts and bolts of running a business from the bottom up that was a little fuzzy.

Last summer the two friends began cultivating plans for their own floral and gift shop in Manitowoc.

“We knew the retail and design end of the floral business since we each worked in the industry for nine years,” says Jageman. “We also knew we had to gain more knowledge on the business end in order to be successful.”

After seeing an ad for the E-Seed Course offered by the Economic Development Corporation of Manitowoc County, the two entrepreneurs set about completing their business-owner skill sets.

“We needed to learn more about how to run a business,” says Jageman, “so we began the E-Seed class in October of 2007.”

When they completed the six-week course, Jageman says she and Bialek had learned “all the little things that go into running a business” and made numerous business contacts.

Two Buds—a full service florist—opened on December 1 of last year in a cozy renovated house on Broadway Street off Rapids Road in Manitowoc. The 1500-square foot shop features unique gifts and home décor including candles, dishes, silks, soaps, table linens, and paper products.

Bialek adds that Two Buds also offers custom gift baskets and home design services.

The shop recently participated in the Rahr West Museum’s Christmas in the Mansion where Jageman and Bialek were able to showcase their work.

“People are getting to know us and are drawn to the fact that we are a small business with more personalized service,” says Jageman.

“More women are working and have less time to spend choosing gifts and items for their home. They want to get to know us and feel confident we know their taste.”

With an upcoming buying trip, Jageman says she and Bialek will be filling their shop with new items for spring.

“We’ll have new merchandise for our grand opening,” says Jageman, “and hope to add a part-time floral designer and customer service representative as we add new business.”

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