Monday marked another milestone in the more than 96-year history of Wren’s Florist & Greenhouses, as a new family who assumed ownership of the business Jan. 1 opened the 500 E. Columbus Ave. doors again for a soft opening.
New owners Kelli LeVan and her daughter, Baylie LeVan, said their first day in operation was a busy one, and it was spent spreading cheer through flowers. They made a number of floral deliveries to nursing homes around Logan County, as illness in the area has made it difficult for people to visit their loved ones.
“We had people calling in orders for their family members and friends, as some nursing homes are advising against visiting with all of the sickness that is going around,” said Mrs. LeVan, whose husband, Scott, also is an owner of the business. She and her daughter are maintaining the day-to-day operations.
“We had a great day being able to spread happiness to people, bringing some bright and beautiful flowers to them on a winter day, and to let them know people are thinking about them.”
In addition to the soft opening the next two weeks, the business also is preparing for a grand opening celebration from 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday, March 1, offering refreshments and the chance to celebrate with their new customers.
The mother-and-daughter pair are continuing the customer service legacy and personable hometown professional florist services from previous owner Kaye Van Ness Couchman and her daughter, Melody Couchman.
“After 54 years in the business and 38 years as the owner, time has come for Kaye Van Ness Couchman to enjoy a much deserved retirement,” the business announced via Facebook in late December.
“We would like to extend a very sincere thanks to our community of customers who have given us the privilege of serving and being part of all of the important events in their lives. It has been an honor to serve you, to have your trust and to gain your friendship. We truly appreciate the wonderful support that has been given to us!”
The previous owners also extended their gratitude and best wishes to the new owners in the social media announcement.
“We are happy that the 96-plus year legacy of Wren’s will continue! Jan. 1 will begin with the LeVan Family taking over ownership and making Wren’s theirs.
“Please join us in congratulating Kelli Albert LeVan, Scott LeVan and Baylie LeVan as they take on the rewards (and challenges) of business ownership! They have great plans to make the business theirs while continuing to care for our customers and we look forward to seeing their success. We wish them all the greatness that we have been so blessed with!”
Last fall, Bellefontaine area resident Mrs. LeVan said she also had learned via Facebook that Wren’s Florist and Greenhouses was for sale. An avid gardener and longtime lover of cultivating flowers on their family’s 5-acre property just south of Bellefontaine, she approached her husband about the idea on a whim.
“I was surprised how quickly he got on board, and around Thanksgiving time, we were making plans to buy the business,” the former insurance agent for A.C. Insurance Agency in Bellefontaine said. “I’ve always been crafty and have enjoyed scrapbooking for years, so this creative business just seemed to fit my passions.
“My friends and I had always talked about opening a greenhouse when we retired. I guess I got a little jump start on our plans.”
The timing also was right for her daughter to join in with the business, as Baylie had attended Bowling Green State University in the fall, and decided she instead wanted to enroll in online courses through Clark State Community College to pursue an accounting degree.
“I grew up helping my mom in the garden and with our flowers, so this is a natural fit for me, too,” the 2019 Benjamin Logan High School graduate said.
While working alongside Kaye Van Ness Couchman and Melody Couchman, Mrs. LeVan said it has been a seamless transition.
“They liked that we also are a mother-daughter team — so that was a perfect fit. They’ve been so kind and helpful to us as we’ve made all of these preparations to get up and running.
“Their main goal was that the customer service and outreach to the community continue here, that we’ll continue to be a hometown florist. We’re keeping many of the same practices and the same accounts.”
Mrs. LeVan related that a number of family members and friends assisted them with the some remodeling work and painting inside the floral shop prior to opening this week. Original hardwood flooring was exposed in the front entryway of the facility, dating back to almost 100 years ago, she noted.
“We were wanting to keep a lot of the old, but bring in some of the new fresh features that we can enjoy for many years to come.”
The 1988 Graham High School graduate and St. Paris native said in the summertime, she also would like to re-open the greenhouse at the facility.
“We’d love to have lots of annuals and perennials for sale, so that people can stop in for items to spruce up their porches and decks.”
Making her personal hobby of enjoying flowers and gardening at home, where she maintains lilies, hostas, irises, succulents, tulips, daffodils, roses, peonies, sunflowers and many others, and transforming it into a professional business has been an inspiring time for Mrs. LeVan.
“We’re very excited to be here and to have the chance to serve our community. It’s been a whirlwind the last couple months, but it has all been worth it to have this opportunity.”
The business is open from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. to noon Saturday.