Doers and Dreamers – Kelli Galloway
This cycle seems to repeat itself many times over. Someone happens to travel to this area, decides that it’s a nice place to hang out, sets up a part time residence and then discovers that they’d like to set up shop here and then “Whoomp!, there it is!”, we have a new, enthusiastic and welcome addition to our community. Say “Hello” to this week’s Doer and Dreamer, Kelli Galloway, who is bring her artful talents to Kingston via her new Lower Broadway florist shop.
Your name: Kelli Galloway
Business or organization: Hops Petunia Floral
Occupation: Floral Designer, Flower Lover, Color Enthusiast
What is your approach to your business or occupation that makes you unique?
Hmmm, that’s tough, I’d say I’ve tried to break the norm with my floral shop, by offering my flower designs as little pieces of art, rather than cranking out assembly line designs, I really hope that the customers I acquire appreciate what I can make for them and allow me to create really special designs. I hope that each person that walks away from my shop feels like that found something really cozy and warm, that my designs embrace their home and add a touch of nature to the inside.
Where are you from originally?
Southeastern Michigan, I grew up near Detroit and also have family on the Northwestern side of the state. So I always had the gritty city and the dense forest/countryside to get inspired in and learn. I definitely just realized how much I need both and love both, and both have influenced my floral designs. I studied Graphic Design so color was a deep root for how I see things, which is a part of why I’m so attracted to flowers and nature. They have the best colors.
What brought you to the Kingston area and keeps you in this area?
My husband and I feel in love with Rosendale about 8 years ago, and decided to make it our partial home for many years. During that time I met so many incredible people, and we ended up in Kingston a lot, eating and exploring. But it was last winter at a dinner party Theresa from Kingston Wine, Co. had mentioned a tiny space available on Broadway and I thought, there’s just no way I can make that happen, but wanted to check it out because its one of my favorite streets in Kingston. Long story short, I fell in love with the space and it all just made so much sense I couldn’t say no. And its the best decision I’ve made in years, I feel very lucky to be a part of such a wonderful community.
What is your favorite hangout in this area and why?
We have a few, I’d say Boitson’s is a regular spot for us, we just love their food and back patio. Most recently its Brunette Bar, and not because they’re our dear friends, although that’s a huge bonus, but truly its such a lovely space and they do a great job with their wine selections, I feel like I learn new wines every time I go.
When you’re not in Kingston, what’s your idea of a wonderful city to visit, and why?
Good question! Also really too hard to choose, I’m such a mix of so many types of cities. I love Detroit with all my heart, for its hardworking people and secret gems hidden all over. But recently we went to Japan and I’ve never had a country win my heart over like I did there, Kyoto was so beautiful and so rich with interesting little nooks. You never knew what you’d find, a gorgeous Jazz bar, a moss covered garden behind a temple, winding alley ways filled with little shops. I think about that place so much. The people were also beyond kind and thoughtful, it really lingered with me, and I try to hold onto it here.
Tell us something that we never would have guessed about you.
Haha, this sounds like I’m bragging but I’m not I swear, you can even ask my husband, I’m a really good dancer, like hip hop dancer. Haha. That even sounds funny to say, but its true, I LOVE to dance. In another life, I would of liked to studied professionally. Or to be a drummer, which I cannot do at all but I’d like to.
