At careers’ end, prospects blossom in flower, gift shop
Friends Becky Morales and Karen Amato had benefits, good wages and decades of experience at their jobs when they were laid off when their respective companies went under.
The women, who had met years before when their children were in sports together, decided that they were ready to try something new with their careers.
“At this age, it’s not that easy to go out and get a job,” Amato said. ” I was kind of done with the corporate world by that point.”
Amato took some time off with her family, while Morales studied floral design and began creating arrangements for weddings and other special occasion out of her home.
Eventually, the women decided it was time to go into business together.
“We’ve talked about it for years,” Amato said. “Finally we said, ‘Let’s try working for ourselves for a change.”
That dream came true when the women opened the doors of their joint venture, Amato’s Floral Produce and Gifts, in November. They envision the store as an indoor, year-round farmer’s market, with local fruit and vegetables, hand-made gifts and fresh floral displays.
