Sweetwater Flower Shop
Monday, December 6th, 2021 | Uncategorized | No Comments
Sweetwater Flower Shop
Introducing New Owner & Mom-trepreneur Casey Camp
According to the Small Business Administration an estimated twenty percent of all small businesses fail after their first year in business, and only half survive beyond the five-year mark. So, ask yourself: what is the likelihood that a small business could last a century or more? Are you ready for this? According to 2006 U.S. census data, only .00897% of businesses survive beyond one hundred years. So, what does that say about a business that actually achieves this historic milestone?
Sweetwater Flower Shop in historic downtown Sweetwater, TN has earned a reputation for quality and exceptional customer service, not for one year or for five years, but for nearly one hundred years. As one of the oldest businesses in Monroe County, how has Sweetwater Flower Shop continued to thrive over the years? By expanding the number of products and services it offers its customers beyond just the fresh cut flowers and arrangements for which it is so well known since first opening its doors in the 1920’s. Over the years, it has also added boutique gifts, silk florals, women’s apparel and accessories, seasonal items and even a restaurant.
And while well-known as a destination for shopping aficionados throughout East Tennessee and beyond, what is often best remembered by visitors is Sweetwater Flower Shop’s own brand of southern hospitality where customers become friends immediately upon entering the Shop.
And as we all experience changes in our lives, Sweetwater Flower Shop is no exception. Just recently Sweetwater Flower Shop owner Jack Wilson passed on the torch after more than 4 decades of ownership to new owners, wife and husband team, Casey and Derek Camp.
In this December 2021 issue of East Tennessee’s Mountain Views, we are excited to bring you this interview with local mom-trepreneur and new Sweetwater Flower Shop owner Casey Camp as she shares her vision for Sweetwater Flower Shop’s next one hundred years.
ETMV: Tell our readers a little bit about yourself.
Casey: Well, to start with, I’m a Sweetwater native. I believe I was born to be an entrepreneur. I secured my master’s degree from Tennessee Tech and later pursued a marketing career at a local regional hospital. This experience helped me to further refine those requisite skills so important to those intent on entering the challenging world of self-employment. During this same period, I married the love of my life, Derek. We have been blessed with two beautiful children.
ETMV: Tell us about how the Sweetwater Flower Shop opportunity presented itself.
Casey: When we learned that Sweetwater Flower Shop owner, Jack Wilson, was planning on retiring, we immediately became excited about the opportunity to own and operate this nearly century old business that we were convinced offered so much upside potential. It was also an opportunity to maintain this extraordinary Sweetwater City and Monroe County institution that has become so much a part of our area’s history.
ETMV: What are your plans for the future of the Sweetwater Flower Shop?
Casey: In the months ahead, we look forward to expanding not only our fresh and silk flower business, but also our gift boutique for which the Sweetwater Flower Shop has become so well known. Also, look for us to expand our women’s apparel and accessories offerings, and of course the reopening of our signature restaurant, Upstairs at the Mansion.
ETMV: The reopening of the Upstairs at the Mansion Restaurant is going to excite many of our readers. Can you share more with us?
Casey: The new restaurant owners have a mid-January target date to open Upstairs at the Mansion. It will likely be a soft opening initially. I would further anticipate that they will expand their menu options and hours of operation over time. As with any new business, particularly a restaurant, there are the inevitable learning curves. The new owners hope to best meet your expectations by gradually introducing and expanding their offerings.
ETMV: What other changes can our readers look forward to at the all-new Sweetwater Flower Shop?
Casey. The sky’s the limit. We have many exciting plans for the future. Some are our own, others, those of our loyal customers who have offered many valuable suggestions. The restaurant venue will likely be expanded to include fashion shows, special events and even entertainment in the future.
ETMV: This all seems exciting, and we wish you the very best going forward. In closing, is there anything you wish to add?
Casey: Well, let me start by offering our thanks to so many of you that have extended us your best wishes and words of encouragement for the future. You have our personal commitment that we will do everything possible to maintain and further the reputation of Sweetwater Flower Shop and it’s nearly 100-year-old tradition in historic downtown Sweetwater.
I also want to let everyone know about the other services we will offer here such as interior and exterior design for the holidays, everyday décor, and custom graveside pieces.
And if you need to help in transforming this holiday season into a spectacular and magical Christmas, I invite you to visit our two floors of holiday decorating and gift giving ideas. Please be sure to introduce yourself on your next visit. We thank you in advance for your past loyalty and ask your patience as we introduce these many exciting changes in the future intended to enhance your Sweetwater Flower Shop experience.
Sweetwater Flower Shop
118 W. North Street, Sweetwater, TN 37874
423.337.6623
Open Mon – Fri. 9am to 5pm and Saturday 9am to 12pm
