CAPTION: (C) Mayor Glenn Jacobs interviewed Nikki Armbrust owner of Petal Pushers Floral Design at 9719 Kingston Pike for the Small Business Series. Custom floral bouquets, unique cash and carry gifts and holiday items available in-store. One-day delivery is available. (Holiday and custom orders should be placed a few days in advance.)
KNOXVILLE, Tenn.— Knox County Mayor Glenn Jacobs interviewed Nikki Armbrust, owner of Petal Pushers Floral Design and gifts as part of his small business series. The West Knoxville business at 9719 Kingston Pike is a full-service flower shop offering creative arrangements, locally sourced specialty products and unique gift items.
Mayor Jacobs’ bi-weekly small business series is comprised of video interviews airing on Wednesdays on the county and Mayor’s various social media platforms. The discussions offer folks the opportunity to talk about what they do; highlight their work, and share any plans for the future.
“It’s my ministry,” said Armbrust. “Our motto is changing lives one flower at a time. We are dedicated and passionate about flowers, flower design and servicing our customers. ”
Armbrust, at age 22, opened her first business, Unbeweavable, a beauty supply shop. She later co-owned a furniture store. Her experiences would prove valuable in the years ahead. A portrait artist by trade, Armbrust took on part-time work in a local floral department to get out of her studio. After five years she was inspired to take on the challenge of opening her own flower store. Still in business after three years, Armbrust hopes her entrepreneurial success can inspire others to go after their own dreams as well.
“I’ve encouraged other people who haven’t legitimized their business to do it. My shop is kind of a meeting place. People come in just to get encouraged and I’m actually from West Knoxville so it’s pretty cool that I could start this in my community. I mean I started this with $300 dollars and a prayer and God said, ‘I got you,’ and so people need to be encouraged,” said Armbrust.
Petal Pushers Floral Design is a full-service flower shop specializing in Birthdays, Anniversaries, Showers, Parties, Conferences, Weddings, Sympathy & High Style Bohemian Floral Designs. Orders can be placed 24/7 through the website petalpushers.info, or email at followthepetals@gmail.com. Petal Pushers showroom at 9719 Kingston Pike, Knoxville 37922, is stocked with ready-to-go gifts and arrangements for last-minute occasions. It is open Monday – Friday 10 am to 3 pm, Saturday 9 am to noon, and closed on Sunday. During business hours, call 865-237-9584.
The Mayor and Armbrust also discussed how her former business ventures impacted her and why her style of arrangements distinguishes her work in the floral industry. Additionally, they highlight how operating a business in East Tennessee is different from anywhere else.
To hear more of what was said during the interview, click to check out the video.