COVID-19 Adaptation Story
July, 2020
It is Christine Kennedy’s 23rd year as the owner of Memory Lane Flowers and Gifts and she takes pride in the unique history of the building in which she is located: an old blacksmith shop that dates back to the 1800s. To maintain the space’s history and authentic look, she has kept many elements intact, such as the floral design of the shop’s interior.
Memory Lane Flowers and Gifts is a full-service flower shop, which serves not only the local community but also customers located across the world. To adapt safely to recent challenges, Memory Lane has implemented a three shopper maximum within the store. There are markers on the floor across the whole shop, as well as hand sanitizer available upon entry.
To Christine, customer service is the number one priority. She goes above and beyond for her customers, making accommodations and adjustments to best serve the community. From extending her working hours to complete deliveries, to bringing flowers directly to those who need them, Christine is not only a business owner but a heart of the community.
The shop is open Tuesday through Friday from 9:00 am - 2:00 pm, with the rest of the day reserved for deliveries. For any looking to place an order, Christine invites emails through her website, or is more than happy to talk through options over the phone! If you are looking for a handcrafted gift or a beautiful array of flowers, choose Memory Lane not only for product quality, but for genuine connection and kindness.
Call today at (613) 376-6309.
Read the story below to learn more about Memory Lane and about Christine!
Top shelf customer service has turned into 20 years of success #inFrontenac for Memory Lane.
Walking into Memory Lane Flowers and Gifts feels like stepping into a scene from a children's storybook. Music plays outside the old Blacksmith Shop in the little village of Sydenham, the floors creak underfoot, the smell of fresh cut flowers is always in the air. You're almost certain it will be fairies or elves waiting to welcome you to such a magical place.
And, although she's not a fairy or an elf, you will still be pleasantly surprised to see owner Christine Kennedy appear from the back room. Christine is best described as a people person. Her main goal in life is to spread infectious joy to everyone she meets, and her positive attitude directly correlates to Memory Lane's 20 years of success.
In 1995, after a career in daycare, she felt a calling to try something new. She loved people, food, and always wanted to return to the small town where she'd gone to high school. Opportunity arose and Christine soon became the owner of the village's only food truck. Eventually she left the truck behind, took over the local flower shop and satisfied a life-long dream by adding a tearoom.
Fast forward to 2007, when the growing demand for her skills as a florist forced her to make a tough decision. She closed the tearoom to focus on flowers, to give her best to clients who need that infectious joy she's so good at spreading.
Last year, Christine and Kim (Memory Lane's one and only long time staff person) provided the flowers for 26 weddings. Christine sees every wedding as a chance to make dreams come true, to create life-long memories for brides and grooms starting their life together.
At Memory Lane, they have a knack for finding the special touches that mean so much, especially during times of loss. It's not uncommon for Memory Lane bereavement arrangements to include unique reminders of those who have passed... like a sealer of dill pickles because dad was the keeper of the family recipe, or an unbeatable euchre hand because Mom was an avid player. And, although the shop is closed on Sundays (a throwback to a slower time and pace), Christine does pop in if families need her. Family - whether it's theirs or yours - is one of the most important things at Memory Lane.
Christine extends that extra special effort beyond her customers into the community as well. Last Christmas, they set up a "head in the hole" photo stand outside the shop. It became a great attraction in the little village for people of all ages, at the most magical time of year. Even staff at other local shops locked their doors for a few minutes to pop over for a photo.
Customers who have moved overseas still use the shop to send flowers locally, Christine's requests for oddball items (like straw bales) are met without fail, and people regularly pop in just to chat, because they know they're always welcome.
People happily recommend and return to the shop time and time again because the customer service is second-to-none. We all know we should shop locally, but when the business owner says things like, "I do have to pay my bills, but that's not what I see... I see how rich I am from the people I meet and from the lives that I get to touch", that's when supporting small businesses becomes a joy.
It is places like Memory Lane that make it so awesome to live, visit, and work in Frontenac. Even if they aren't staffed by fairies or elves.
Swing by our Business Directory to get all of Christine's contact information.
Are you thinking about starting a small manufacturing business? Looking to grow your existing operation? Want to find a more meaningful place to pursue your entreprenurial dream? Visit our Contact Us page. Reach out to Richard or Alison directly by email or phone, or fill out the form and we'll be in touch.
 |
 |
 |
| Cardinal Cafe | Cheesecakery Bakery | Lothlorien Woodworking |
Contact Us