The Visionary Behind the Flower Store
An inside look at Stanley Sistrunk and the beauty he creates
If you've ever been to the Flower Store in Auburn, you’re among the many already captivated. It's a place you go when you're having a bad day or when you're looking for some inspiration and creativity. It's a place of vibrant colors, artistic surprises, and a very special person whose mind is overflowing with beautiful ideas.
The Flower Store is a place that locals love and visitors never forget. Upon entering the space, you're greeted by stunning table settings of fine China paired with ornate glassware and one-of-a-kind decorative accents. The store is beautifully and artfully decorated with home goods, luxury gifts, and gourmet food items. It overflows with creativity and elegance, and each corner is adorned with displays of sophisticated and interesting surprises. Your eyes will be drawn to gorgeous flower arrangements and greenery, explosive colors, and unique accents.
Stanley Sistrunk has owned and operated the Flower Store for over 42 years and prides himself on his customer service and floral artistry.
"The Flower Store has become more than just a regular flower shop,” Stanley said.
Along with an extensive range of floral services, the Flower Store carries a wide variety of decor, original paintings by local artists, coffee table books and cookbooks, and eclectic accents. They also have an exclusive gift line as well as a bridal registry.
Stanley is an Alabama native, having grown up in Society Hill. He attended Auburn University where he majored in pharmacy for two years before taking a “different route.” A good friend of Stanley’s encouraged him to explore the floral industry, and Stanley got a job working at Auburn Flower Shop. He worked there throughout his college years, then continued for a year post-grad. In 1981, Stanley opened his own shop on South College Street. He operated that store for 20 years before opening the Flower Store in Moore’s Mill.
After 40 years in Auburn, Stanley has become a local legend. He is gifted with the ability to connect with families in the area and visitors from across the country. While the Flower Store has made a name for itself, Stanley is the one who has crafted an experience that is both beautiful and timeless.
“We have a lot of great Auburn customers and a lot of good out-of-town customers who, every ball game, come and visit the Flower Store,” Stanley said.
He has seen Auburn grow and change over the years and has loved getting to interact with his customers and form long-lasting relationships with visitors.
“I’ve had customers for 42 years where I’ve done their grandma’s wedding, mother’s wedding, and daughter’s wedding," Stanley said.
In 2019, Stanley opened Fig and Ivy, a rental event space right outside the doors of the Flower Store. He realized after hosting special events inside the store that they did not have enough room to host with the grandeur he wanted guests to expect from his work. He opened Fig and Ivy next door shortly after.
Fig and Ivy has been open about four years and is used for events such as bridal luncheons, rehearsal dinners, and private parties. The venue seats 72 people for a seated dinner or 60 for a buffet-style meal. Stanley hosts his own special events at Fig and Ivy, and as you’d expect, his ticketed events always sell out. The space has been a huge success, and Stanley continues to dream about the future of the space. He hopes to bring in a catered chef to do events on weekends during the upcoming football season and has more ideas in store.
Stanley is a beloved member of the Auburn-Opelika community whose reputation precedes him. The Flower Store has become an iconic spot in East Alabama for floral needs, event styling, and inspiration. Make sure to stop by the Flower Store, and say “hi” to Stanley, the next time you visit Auburn-Opelika.
The Flower Store is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. and on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
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