New shop opens in downtown Tryon

TRYON — The soft tinkle of a door chime is the first welcome customers receive as they step into the new flower shop on North Trade Street.

It is the sweet fragrance of fresh blooms, however, that draws people into Brett Austin Florals and Gifts.

In her new store next to Katie D’s New York Bagels & Deli, Brett McFarland has created a different kind of flower shop. While people can order floral arrangements for all types of events, McFarland is encouraging customers to try their hand at designing their own bouquets as well.

On one side of the shop are long rows of open white boxes overflowing with colorful blooms. Roses, hydrangeas, carnations and flowers of all shapes, sizes and colors burst across the wall.

“People can come and create their own bouquets,” McFarland said.

She explained that the flowers are priced by the stem, and customers can build as large or as small a bouquet as they like.

“Of course we’ll help them with their choices, but it gives people a chance to be creative,” she said.

In addition to the flower bar, McFarland’s store stocks many other small creative gifts and décor items. From herb garden jars to small home décor items such as candles and vases, the shop is a soothing but eclectic mix of delights for the senses and the soul. McFarland even offers a skin care and makeup line.

McFarland studied floral design at the Flower School of New York, and continues to add to her expertise with advanced courses across the United States. She plans to pass on her skills in workshops at the store.

“I want to offer workshops in everyday arrangements, special occasion flowers and holiday theme designs,” she said. “We’ll have a workshop for designing Easter center pieces. The space will also be available for private parties.”

McFarland was born and raised in Tryon. She studied retail and fashion merchandising in school, and started working with flowers as a hobby.

“I always wanted to own my own shop,” she said. “So, when it came time, I wanted it to be in Tryon. It’s a way for me to give back to the community.”

For more information or to order flowers for an event, contact Brett Austin Florals and Gifts at 828-440-1445, visit www.brettauston.com or stop in at 225 N. Trade St., Unit B, in Tryon for a whiff of fresh flowers and a burst of spring colors.