Syd Kemsley Florist has served Chatham for 60 years
In celebration of six decades of serving Chatham and area, Syd Kemsley Florist brightened up Friday for everyone who visited, handing out roses in appreciation.
Melodee Delrue, whose grandfather, Syd Kemsley, opened the shop on Dec. 1, 1956, said a great deal has changed over the years, while the core values have remained the same.
When the shop opened 60 years ago at its Grand Avenue West location, everything west of it was nothing but farmland. Today, it’s in the heart of a retail section of the city.
Delrue said it’s stayed in the family over the years, supported by a solid corps of customers.
“It’s a feat to be here this long. A lot of small businesses can’t stay around,” she said.
Delrue took over operations of the shop seven years ago from her parents.
“It’s part of our family,” she said of the store. “I worked here after school as a teen. I continued to like it. I always liked designing floral arrangements.”
Her time at the shop began at a very young age. She said her parents used to have a crib at the shop.
Another constant over the years has been the staff. Today, the lowest tenure of any staff member is 26 years.
“We’re like a family,” Delrue said.
Employee Bernadette Delrue agreed. “I started here when I was 23. They saw me get married and have kids,” she said. “If you really love what you do, it isn’t work.”
Delrue agreed.
“My favourite part is designing arrangements. I love it when someone gives me free reign,” she said. “But we all enjoy interacting with the public.”
Delrue said the store’s longevity wouldn’t have been possible without a dedicated clientele. She said the shop has done flower arrangements for customers’ weddings, and then their children’s weddings.
In fact, the shop’s impact can linger with customers who have left the area.
“People move away from Chatham-Kent, but still call in to place orders for their family,” Delrue said.
The family feel of Syd Kemsley could someday be in jeopardy, however, as Delrue said her children – a son and a daughter – don’t seem all that interested in running the business. She holds out hope.
“But in high school, I didn’t even think about doing this,” she said.
