Garrettsville – Bay Window Floral has been a fixture in Garrettsville since opening its doors 1988. For the last 25 years, the shop has been at 8331 Windham Street, across from Dollar General, with Cindy Hershberger managing the operation. And this month, after having managed the shop for 30 years, Hershberger became the new owner of this Garrettsville business, a culmination of a life spent working in floral design.
Hershberger began her training as a high school student at Maplewood’s horticulture program and honed her skills at smaller floral shops before finding her niche at the Bay Window Floral & Gift Shop in Garrettsville. A graduate of James A. Garfield Schools, Hershberger is a lifetime area resident running a local business that serves her friends and neighbors.
In addition to fresh flowers and innovative floral designs for all occasions, Bay Window offers a variety of silk arrangements for your seasonal decorating needs. The shop also stocks handmade soaps and lotions by Michel Design Works; goatmilk soaps and body scrubs by Country Bathhouse; and a line of scarves, wraps, jewelry, and accessories by Bayberry Road, Root candles, as well as framed beach glass artwork by local artist Aunt Jan’s Creations. These items can be purchased individually or nestled into a perfectly packaged basket, perhaps with fresh flowers for easy gift-giving.
Bay Window has created a line of customizable coffee mugs. The vibrant designs are microwave and dishwasher safe and can hold flowers or gifts or be paired with balloons and a personalized greeting card.
The shop also features personalized cards through their Card Isle kiosk. Customers can visit the shop to select the card design, then personalize the interior message and have the card printed in store. Hershberger notes that customers may also create the digital cards at home, then printed at the shop and to accompany their choice of flowers or gifts as well.
“We deliver smiles for miles,” Hershberger noted. The Bay Window delivers throughout Garrettsville, Ravenna, Hiram, Windham, Southington, Mantua, and Parkman. In addition, the shop also delivers to funeral homes in Middlefield, Newton Falls, and Streetsboro.
She noted a special strength in creating sympathy arrangements. “Losing a family member is so difficult,” she remarked. “It’s important to have flowers there to provide a bright spot during this difficult time.” She works with the family to create personalized designs, such as incorporating bobbers, wildflowers, and a water element in the design for her brother, an avid fisherman. She utilized a well-used toolbox to contain another funeral spray, a nod to the departed’s daily work and life. “Little things are important,” she continued, “and it’s a way to help the grieving family.”
Hershberger can work with you to create something special for your wedding or event. “I feel I’ve been given a gift,” she explained. With so many years of experience, Hershberger is confident that after listening to individuals describe their particular needs, she can create what they want. “I’ve had countless people tell me, ‘Oh my gosh! I didn’t know how to describe it, but that’s exactly what I was looking for!’”
Valentine’s Day is coming – give Bay Window a call at (330) 527-5666 to help you celebrate with something special.
