Business & Tech
Meet The Owner of a Floral Shop
Elizabeth Ann Florist and Gift Shop is one of Watkinsville's oldest businesses.
Founded by Elizabeth Ann (Betty) Yarbrough in 1955, Watkinsville's treasured flower shop, is still going strong. It is now operated by Betty's son and daughter-in-law, Bill and Lynne Yarbrough, and their son, Paul.
Patch: When did you start your business?
Lynne: Bill's mother, Elizabeth Ann (Betty) began this business because of her artistic fondness of flowers. The business was first in her home on Colham Ferry Road in Watkinsville and then moved downtown in 1957.
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Patch: What is your favorite thing about your flower shop?
Lynne: The most favorite thing about this business is meeting so many people and translating their ideas into flower arrangements. This is both challenging and it brings much satisfaction in painting this picture for our friends with flowers.
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Patch: What is the most challenging thing about running a business?
Lynne: The most challenging part of business now is all the paperwork required. It would be much easier if all we had to do was buy flowers and containers and arrange them for sale. But the paperwork always goes along with the business. Thank goodness for computers.
Patch: What are your long-term goals for Elizabeth Ann Florist and Gift Shop?
Lynne: To keep our head above water and to gain the trust of the people in the Oconee/Clarke area. Also we want to continue past the current third generation into the fourth generation and beyond.
Patch: What advice would you give to someone wanting to start a new business in Oconee County?
Lynne: The best advise I can give would be to know your product inside and out and have passion and pride in what you are doing. Of course seed money is a great asset also.
Elizabeth Ann Florist and Gift Shop is located at 15 North Main Street in downtown Watkinsville.
Shop Hours
Monday-Friday 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Saturday 9 a.m. - Noon
Delivery Area
Oconee County
Clarke County
University of Georgia
Toll-Free: (888) 596-6329
Local: (706) 769-6661