CHOCOWINITY — The Flower Spot in Chocowinity has one goal in mind: remember the past but move into the future.

Formerly known as Brenda’s Florist, the little shop was opened by the late Brenda J. Purser more than 15 years ago. It quickly became a much-loved community staple.

But after Brenda passed away from cancer last October, her children decided to sell the business, as they already have a few businesses to run in Washington. That’s when current owner Jessica Long-Mills, 37, a native of Beaufort County, took over in November.

Long-Mills is, ironically enough, a former pawn shop owner, but her talent for floristry was sparked early with her family. The Flower Spot quickly became a way for her to honor Brenda, as well as her own past.

“My mom taught me how to tie bows when I was young,” she said. “I guess it’s just in my blood maybe. … My mom and my aunts used to always get together and my grandmother.”

As soon as she took over the shop, Long-Mills hit the ground running right out of the blocks. The Thanksgiving and Christmas seasons were quickly approaching, and with little time to catch a breath, the Valentine’s Day season is now approaching.

But Long-Mills is embracing the hustle and taking it all in stride.

“What’s the worst that could happen?” she said of taking such a leap. “How would I ever know if I didn’t try?”

And she’s had plenty of help, too, from her mother and niece, florist Eddie Gibbs and an intern from Southside High School. Again, it’s a mix of past and future.

 

“Everybody was happy that it’s continuing,” Long-Mills said. “(Brenda) put her heart in this place and, you know, everybody’s been grateful.”

The shop specializes in anything from flower arrangements, to weddings, funerals and commemorative items for any special occasion. It’s largely set up as was Brenda’s shop, but Long-Mills hopes to add in a younger twist, as well.

“I like that there’s something new every day. … It’s the creative side of you,” she said. “I’m all about new adventures.”

Long-Mills said she plans to stay in floristry for the long term, and eventually, create her own legacy on which to look back.

“I like small and quaint things, you know, I like being more personal.  I just want to make people happy, I guess,” she said. “It’s just a new smile every day.”

The Flower Spot is located at 39 N.C. Highway 33 East, Chocowinity.