Talking Business: Floral designers branch out with own shop
When Shane Nelson saw an ad to work as a floral designer, he figured he’d give it a try. His job at the now-defunct Tollycraft yacht-building plant in Kelso was likely going away, and Nelson needed money.
Seventeen years later, Nelson is still in the flower business, and now he’s branched out to open his own store. He teamed up with former coworker and longtime friend Pam Adair to open In Good Company Floral Jan. 29 at 946 Washington Way in Longview.
“It’s fun, it’s great and it comes really easy,” said Nelson, a 1993 Mark Morris High School graduate. Nelson learned the business at Glass Slipper, a former downtown Longview flower shop, and he’s worked at other shops in Portland. Adair left her job at Fibre Federal Credit Union to help start the business.
In Good Company offers floral arrangements from roses to orchids to tulips, said Nelson, the chief designer. In Good Company buys most of its flowers from the Portland, Woodland and Kalama areas, he said.
The 2,300-square-foot building offers plenty of space for customers to walk around and window shop the gift items. A brown leather couch is at the center of In Good Company, allowing customers to sit and chat with Nelson and Adair about weddings or other big floral events.
“We wanted a very informal, comfortable place where everyone is welcome,” Nelson said.
In Good Company also sells Moonstruck Chocolates, a Portland confectionery featured on the Rachael Ray and Ellen Degeneres television programs, Adair said.
