Celebrating Anna’s House of Flowers 40th Anniversary
“I truly believe you don’t know what you are doing with your life until you’re in your 40s.”
At 42 years young, Anna Merritt began her venture as a business owner and florist. With the support of countless community members and the business expertise of Verne Plassman, Anna’s House of Flowers came to be. Originally located at Michigan Avenue, Anna’s House of Flowers was one of three florists in the community, working alongside one-another in the thriving Albion environment.
Anna’s passion for floral work was planted when she was 15 years old working at Hubert’s Greenhouse here in Albion. As time passed, Anna took this budding love and blossom it into a 40-year career. The driving force for her now at 82? Making people happy. After all these years and the changes in Albion, Anna enjoys being able to continue to provide a service to the community, for the good and the sad times.
Six months after opening in 1985, Mary Habicht joined Anna in her journey and has been by her side ever since. Mary enjoys being able to work with the public while expressing herself through a creative, hands-on medium. As an artist in multiple platforms, Mary uses her experience as a florist to impact her other creations.
One of the biggest questions I had for Anna and Mary was how they have sustained a business in Albion for 40 years. The answer was simple: persistence, flexibility, and community support.
Over the years, Anna and Mary have seen countless changes to Albion and the biggest piece they learned is being flexible with the changes. Space too big? Move to a new location. Anna shared that the support of John and Jane Shedd led her to continue her business in the latest location on Superior Street. Competition changing? Offer a unique and personal experience. The community has supported the shop throughout the years and every person on Anna’s staff is dedicated to the community, creating an interpersonal relationship with each customer.
Anna and Mary have persisted throughout the years on hard work and dedication. Albion is looking forward to the future of Anna’s House of Flowers!