Styled Stems Flower Shop Takes Root in Maple Grove
The former home of the Maple Grove Arts Center is now home to art of a different sort.
“Our arrangements are fresh every day. We do get flowers in every single day,” said Leah Schmidt of Styled Stems, a new flower shop in Maple Grove. “If it’s got a flower in it, we do it. So weddings, funerals, special events. Day-to-day floral, we do it all.”
Schmidt and Alex Lehr are co-owners of Styled Stems. The longtime friends outgrew their former location in Blaine and relocated to Maple Grove, opening Dec. 13.
“We just saw the opportunity of an incredible space next to a couple other really great businesses that we could easily partner with,” said Lehr. “And we’ve already formed a great friendship, so we had to take advantage of it.”
While Styled Stems is technically a flower shop, the store offers a wide array of gifts created by local artists.
“If you’re ever looking for a place where you want something more unique, we’ve got a great selection,” said Schmidt.
Meanwhile, the owners say they pride themselves on offering high quality, locally-sourced flowers.
“They didn’t just go to the grocery store and pick something up,” said Lehr, when asked why flowers are special to people. “They came to a shop on purpose, they picked something out that they knew you’d love, and then had it delivered to you or brought it to you themselves. And so, the whole process seems really intentional and special.”
Leah Schmidt (left) and Alex Lehr are co-owners of Styled Stems. “Fluffy” is their in-house cat.
‘Call the florist directly’
To keep that process feeling intentional and special, they implore people to order directly from independent florists, rather than using national third-party services that take a cut of the profits.
“It’s just so much better if you can call the florist directly, ’cause then the florist is going to get that entire amount and you are going to get a hundred percent of the dollar amount that you paid for,” said Schmidt.
It’s something they want people to keep in mind, especially as they prepare for their first Valentine’s Day in their new home.
“We’ve had so many amazing customers and businesses stop in and welcome us, and I’ve just never felt so proud to be here,” said Schmidt.
One bit of advice if you’re planning to order flowers for Valentine’s Day: Schmidt and Lehr encourage people to order before the end of January. That way, you can avoid Valentine’s Day pricing and save a little money.
Styled Stems is located at 11666 Fountains Drive in Maple Grove.
Related: Plymouth’s Len Busch Roses Prepares for Valentine’s Day Rush, Flower Sales ‘Through the Roof’
