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Cambira Heights’ biz’s services grow beyond flowers

By Michael Morton

“I'm networking, trying to help other people follow their dreams,” she said of the way she runs her store, Inspirational Floral and Gifts, which opened in early September at 233-04 Linden Blvd.

On the third Monday of every month she invites fledgling poets and authors to read their works at the shop, and she is trying to organize a trip so some of her customers can bring flowers to patients at St. Albans Veterans Hospital. She also buys crafts for her store from unemployed neighborhood women.

“I think I'm being blessed by doing that,” Hopkins said.

Hopkins had long thought of opening her own crafts store, but it was not until last June that the former nurse at Franklin Hospital in Valley Stream got her chance.

That month a fire destroyed the office of an auto parts and plumbing store operating on Linden Boulevard, and Hopkins stopped by for a look. When she heard that a 24-hour smoke shop might go into the location instead, she decided something needed to be done to prevent new late-night traffic in the otherwise quiet neighborhood.

Hopkins spoke with the landlord and opened her store, which she describes as a “one-stop shop” for functions such as baby showers, bridal showers and weddings. Her store is filled with flower bouquets, stuffed teddy bears, cards and sample balloons, and she has a photographer, caterer, limousine driver and baker with whom she works.

“What we do is shorten the run-around period,” Hopkins said. “The planning, the organizing, all that is done here. So far it's working.”

Floral shops did already exist in the neighborhood, but they stuck to offering flowers and cards, not the services and other goods Hopkins introduced.

Of her competitors, she said, “They told me I was crazy, but they've taken notice and added things,” such as personalized ribbons imprinted with the bride's and groom's names, for instance.

Hopkins said her store, which is open seven days a week, was also distinct in the level of personal service it offered and said she works within any budget, even if it means not turning a larger profit.

“You educate them on what they're looking for,” she said of her gentle prodding on suggestions for stretching her clients' money.

She said her customers have responded.

“I'm getting a lot of love from the community,” Hopkins said. “They tell me I feel something good here. They see my vision.”

Before she knew she would open a store, Hopkins made arts and crafts as a hobby and took a few flower arrangement classes.

“I'm just learning the floral business,” she said. “I'm taking one day at a time.”

To other budding entrepreneurs, Hopkins advised: “You just take the leap and go for it.”

Reach reporter Michael Morton by e-mail at news@timesledger.com or by calling 718-229-0300, Ext. 154.