East Texas Women: Florist Brandy Ferrer prepares for Valentine’s Day

UPSHUR COUNTY, Texas (KETK) — KETK News is highlighting the ladies making big moves from Piney Woods. Ahead of Valentine’s Day, we introduce you to a florist in Upshur County.

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Meet Brandy Ferrer of Gilmer, the owner of Simply Beautiful Floral Company, who has grown her store in the downtown area.

“These floral designs are ones that started right here and we create them from scratch,” Ferrer said. “The pictures are taken here in the shop so the customers know exactly what they’re going to get.”

She draws and designs each bouquet from scratch and lately her notebook has been filled with Valentine’s Day designs.

“It’s a little bit hectic, and people don’t realize that florists actually start preparing for Valentine’s Day months ahead,” Ferrer said.

In addition to being a business owner, wife and mother of two, she is also involved in the community.

“Being involved in the community is a huge part of being a successful small business owner and I learned that from my dad,” Ferrer said.

Outside of her business, Ferrer is on the board of directors for the chamber of commerce, an eastern star, a member of the Lion’s Club and is a part of the East Texas Yamboree.

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“We have a student floral design competition,” Ferrer said. “All the floral design students in Upshur County can sign up to compete.”

Teaching is in her roots; before Ferrer was a florist, she helped students flourish in school.

“We’ve had over 30 students two years in a row be able to compete in that, and that’s a way for me to stay connected to teaching,” Ferrer said.

Ferrer and her business have been there for East Texans through the good and bad times.

However, Ferrer said the most rewarding aspect about her job is being able to be there for families while they grieve.

“Being able to take that love that they feel for that one that’s passed away and put that into flowers for them; that’s really intimate work. It’s something that’s very near and dear to my heart,” Ferrer said.

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