Our business started as a studio-based business named “Cadeau Aspen”and evolved into “Fig & Lily,” a storefront in downtown Carbondale. While studio-based, we were offering the same floral design, gourmet baskets and gifts as we do currently. However, now we are able to expand our product lines and give the community a place to shop for all their favorites.

Our shop offers specialty gourmet products, Colorado-made items as well as global imports. We also operate as a full-service florist offering distinctive floral arrangements for all occasions.We have brought in other gift items for the home and spa including room fragrances, linens, Boos Block kitchen tables, art and more. We have taken the “Cadeau Aspen” brand and turned it into our signature collection of gifts and products, so don’t be confused when you still see “Cadeau Aspen” popping up.

The biggest thing I’ve learned is to listen to your customers, engage with the community and offer services that fit their needs. I’ve also learned that marketing is more important than ever before, and while there are so many outlets to get the word out, especially with the ever-changing social-media world, the fact still remains that people want to meet the real person behind the business, and so we continue to get out and meet clients and shoppers through community events and one-on-one visits.

My husband and I oversee the storefront, marketing and buying, and we bring in part-time assistance during the busier times. When we do bring in help, we usually find great people through friends or acquaintances and through our customers. There are always well-established local residences needing seasonal work, and I find using someone who knows and loves the area to be the best bet.What is your strategy for growth in the next year? We are very focused on growing the floral-design business and taking it to the next level of expertise with continued floral training and targeted marketing. We are also working on more products to add to our Cadeau Aspen Collection, so keep an eye out for more gifts and baskets. Lastly, we are reaching out beyond the valley to secure more corporate accounts for our gift-basket business.

I’ve stated this before, and it still holds true: This community has such a positive buzz, and I can’t imagine being anywhere else. Our customers are loyal and excited when they call or come in the shop, and that keeps us going. We are so proud of our local vendors who bring such wonderful products our way. All of which makes running a business here a dream come true.