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New career blossoms with creativity and community

From figure skater to floral designer, Stettler woman carves a winning career
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From holiday centrepieces to full weddings, Panda Flowers in Stettler offers beautiful fresh flowers and creative arrangements.

After a 30-year career as a competitive figure skater and instructor, Stettler’s Cindy Savage was ready for a change.

Her young daughters didn’t share her passion for the sport, and as a single parent she needed a career that also allowed for time at home.

Challenge and inspiration were vital, and “I thought it was a really important lesson for my girls that you pave your own path,” says Savage, today the happy owner of Stettler’s Panda Flowers.

“I have always had a passion for interior design and I love the versatility floral design offers with all the different events. Every day brings a challenge and after years of competitive skating I thrive on that!”

The flower-filled road to the floral industry

Completing all three levels of training at Mount Royal College, Savage earned her floral designer certification and purchased the shop in 2016.

While gardening was the last thing she wanted to do as a child, today she loves working with the colours, scents and textures of the plants and flowers arriving fresh in-store each week.

“Each one is so different and how they come together is so interesting.”

Today, “three generations” are at home in the local shop. Joining Savage is Fran Smith, an amazing designer with close to four decades of industry wisdom to share, and young designer Alex Geddes, who earned her certification last year.

“Fran is just an amazing mentor and role model for both of us – she has so much knowledge to share,” Savage says.

Community and creativity

From holiday centrepieces to funeral arrangements to full weddings, Savage enjoys sharing her creativity with customers, friends and neighbours.

“It’s such an honour to be part of that memorial or celebration of life, or the joining of two lives together with a wedding,” she says, recalling the flowers for 16 weddings throughout Central Alberta her team designed last summer.

“And every single bride was on budget,” she adds. “Whether it’s working with permanent botanicals or helping the wedding couple find creative solutions, I’m very flexible and I believe flowers can be beautiful without spending a lot of money.”

Events at the shop also help build community.

“I want to create an experience,” Savage says, pointing to their many special events, from “Grinch tree” classes at Christmas to birthday parties, baby showers and stagettes.

There are also regular promotions like Be a Bigger Man this Valentine’s Day: Buy a dozen roses or a Valentine bouquet this week and you’ll get another dozen roses later in the year to surprise your sweetheart!

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To learn more, stop by the shop at 4705 B 50th St. in Stettler, call 403-742-2725 or visit online at stettlerflowers.com. Follow them on Facebook to stay up to date with the latest news!

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