Nestled in the heart of Cherry Valley, a small town in Otsego County, A Rose is a Rose Florist has become a beloved fixture in the local community since its opening in 1990. Founded by Jackie Hull, a woman with a rich background in floral design and an extensive career creating florals for Hollywood celebrities, the shop has flourished over the years, despite the challenges of running a small business in a rural area.
Hull, who relocated back to Cherry Valley from Los Angeles, brought with her a unique set of skills honed in the fast-paced world of film and celebrity event planning. She now runs a thriving local business with the same passion and work ethic that guided her career. But for Hull, running a florist shop is more than just a business—it’s a lifestyle, one that revolves around creativity, community, and dedication.
A Journey from Hollywood to Cherry Valley
Jackie Hull’s journey into the floral industry was far from ordinary. After spending years in Los Angeles designing florals for high-profile homes and events, she decided to return to her roots in Cherry Valley, the town where she grew up. The transition from the glitz and glamour of Los Angeles to a small rural town was not an easy one, but Hull saw it as an opportunity to bring her craft to a new audience.
When she opened A Rose is a Rose Florist on December 1, 1990, Hull was aware of the challenges ahead. Running a flower shop in a small town, she recalls, wasn’t going to be a walk in the park. However, she also saw it as a perfect fit for her skills, especially since Cherry Valley had always had a florist, making the business model familiar to the local community.
Building a Business in a Small Town
Building a successful business in a small town like Cherry Valley required hard work and perseverance, but Hull was no stranger to these traits. Raised on a dairy farm, Hull developed a strong work ethic and a deep appreciation for nature—qualities that have heavily influenced her floral designs.
“I love to forage items found in the fields and along the road,” Hull explains. “Those are the special touches that can set you apart. You just have to have that eye to see the interesting things that are right in front of you.”
Hull’s connection to nature is also rooted in her early childhood experiences. Her grandmother, a painter and avid gardener, helped shape her artistic vision from a young age. Although her grandmother may not have appreciated her picking flowers from the garden, it’s clear that those moments sparked Hull’s lifelong passion for florals.
A Thriving Business with a Personal Touch
Over the years, A Rose is a Rose Florist has become more than just a business—it’s a community hub. Hull and her team specialize in a variety of services, from floral arrangements for weddings and local events to custom designs for corporate clients. What sets Hull’s business apart, however, is the personalized approach she brings to every project.
“I love the personalization of what we do,” Hull says. “We get to be there for people on their best days, as well as helping to comfort them on their worst days.”
One of the highlights of Hull’s year is working on the Glimmerglass Festival Gala in New York City, an event that signals the start of the spring season for her. “Although the first year, we got caught up in a terrible accident on the thruway. Thanks to my assistant, who knew the area, we were able to get off the highway before it came to a standstill and we made it to the city on time,” Hull recalls, laughing at the memory. Despite the challenges of working in a big city, Hull’s team manages to bring their creative vision to life each year, continuing to deliver high-quality floral designs for prestigious events.
Navigating High-Profile Events
In addition to the Glimmerglass Festival Gala, Hull’s team is also involved in organizing floral arrangements for Baseball Hall of Fame weekend, one of the most exciting and chaotic times of the year. “It’s always a little crazy for us, but it’s a lot of fun working with MLB teams planning their parties and with the local Hall of Fame staff,” she says. “It’s always got a lot of moving parts and pieces and timing, but we’re a well-oiled machine and when it’s done, it’s an amazing feeling of accomplishment for all of us.”
In addition to the corporate and high-profile events, Hull’s team is known for working closely with local families to create the perfect floral arrangements for weddings. “We’ve had the pleasure of working with so many wonderful families, making the biggest day of their lives the best day of their lives,” Hull says, adding that the collaboration with local vendors has become an important part of their business model.
Community Support During Challenging Times
Throughout her years of running the business, Hull and her team have always found ways to give back to the community. The COVID-19 pandemic was no exception. During the height of the crisis, when nursing home residents were unable to receive visitors, A Rose is a Rose Florist made it their mission to bring some joy to those affected by the isolation.
“We brought flowers to residents of all of the area nursing homes to help ease the burden of not being able to have visitors,” Hull explains. “And then at Christmas that same year, we got donations from the community to help fill gift baskets and purchase plants. That was the best thing we ever did. The thank-you notes that we received made you cry. It was just the best feeling to know we brought some joy during a difficult time.”
Hull’s commitment to her community has earned her business a loyal following, and the outpouring of support during difficult times has only deepened the bond between the shop and its customers.
The Realities of Running a Flower Shop
Despite the joy that comes with creating beautiful floral designs and being part of people’s most significant life events, Hull is quick to point out that the flower business is not as glamorous as some might think. While it can be rewarding and fun at times, it is also hard work.
“One of the biggest misconceptions about the flower business is that it’s so relaxing and really fun,” Hull reflects. “At times it can be. But it’s also very hard work—long hours, holidays, weekends, and deadlines. So it’s really more of a lifestyle than a job.”
Hull credits much of her success to her dedicated team, including her husband, who retired and now plays an active role in the business. “I’m very lucky to have the best crew of people—friends who come in and get it done, as well as my husband who, now that he’s retired, is very hands-on,” Hull says.
Even during stressful moments, Hull and her team find ways to lighten the load. “Having a good laugh eases the burden,” she says, smiling.
A Lifelong Passion for Flowers
As A Rose is a Rose Florist enters its 34th year in business, Jackie Hull remains as passionate about flowers as she was when she first opened her shop. For Hull, floral design is not just a profession—it’s a way of life. From foraging in local fields for unique elements to creating custom arrangements for brides, Hull has built a business rooted in love, creativity, and community.
Despite the challenges of running a flower shop, Hull wouldn’t have it any other way. “It’s hard work, but it’s so worth it,” she says. “There’s nothing like seeing the smiles on people’s faces when they receive the flowers you’ve worked so hard on. That’s what makes it all worthwhile.”
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