Since taking ownership of Terra Bella Floral & Gifts at the end of April, the Sandi and Clint McQuatters family of Grand Marais have excitedly been adding their own touches to the flower and gift shop. One of the first additions was a colorful sign out front declaring, “The Earth Smiles in Flowers.” Visitors will also smile at the delightful colors, scents, and selection at Terra Bella.
The entire family is pitching in to make customers welcome at the shop. Daughter Trace, 12, is learning to run the cash register and of course learning how to create bouquets—of flowers and balloons. Son Breyer, 14, does the janitorial work and keeps a watchful eye on the flower cooler temperatures. He plans to make flower deliveries when he gets his driver’s license. Clint helps with bookkeeping and is the handyman. He has done a wonderful job erecting shelves to display the eclectic gift offerings.
“This will be a family business. All of us will pull together to get the job done,” said Sandi. “We’re excited to work with the community and we hope to be here for a long, long, time.”
At the end of April, Clint and Sandi McQuatters family became the owners of Terra Bella Floral & Gifts in Grand Marais. Above: Family members all have their favorite flower or gift items. (L-R) Clint, Trace, Breyer, and Sandi. Left: Trace, 12, savors the scents of the flower shop.
A number of other family members and friends have pitched in to help the McQuatters get settled in the shop—Gary and Alta McQuatters, Victor Pederson, Chuck Silence, Ashley Ross, Carolyn and John Kopchik, Diane Greeley—and so many more.
Sandi’s mother, Carol and her husband, Roger McCleary, have also supported this new adventure. “Grandma Carol” has been delighted to pitch in, coming all the way from Red Wing, MN to help out during busy times like over Mother’s Day, said Sandi.
Carol recalls that Heidi Sobanja and Peg Anderson originally opened the flower shop. “I’m so happy to see my daughter operating a business that was begun by Heidi, a favorite classmate of mine,” she said.
Previous owner Shawn Maravigli has been very helpful during the transition and has lent extra support with some weddings and funerals. There has been a lot of laughter in the little corner shop as Sandi learns the tips and tricks of ordering and the fine art of floral arrangements.
“I would like to thank the community for all of its support and for making Terra Bella a success,” said Shawn. “I wish Sandi and her family all the success in the future.”
Sandi has been successful in selecting an array of lovely gift items to nestle among the cut floral bouquets and potted plants. There are handmade scented soy candles and unique carved wooden vases, end tables, and forest dweller houses crafted by Lake Superior Log Works. There are fragrant soaps and lotions from Superior Herbals and colorful and comical Chicken Mama greeting cards. Lake Superior Rock Lamps has a number of oneof a-kind lamps on display and there is unique jewelry from ThisLittle Light designer Denise Axtell. Finally, there are cuddly baby afghans by Grandma’s Knit & Crochet.
Terra Bella will continue to be open year-round, Monday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Sandi is available during those hours to assist with weddings, funerals, or any other flower needs. Delivery is available and Terra Bella now offers a frequent shopper card. More information can be found at the website www.terrabellafloral.net, or become a facebook friend at Terra Bella Floral & Gifts.
Or stop by the shop on the corner of Highway 61 and First Avenue to see the Earth smiling at Terra Bella!
Leave a Reply