Floral artist opens shop in Ewing school

Happiness.

It's a word Amy Larsen associates with the look on an individual's face when they receive flowers.

"There's something about the happiness ... some would smile and some would cry when they open the door and see you with a bouquet," she said.

Now, Larsen hopes to spark happiness in the Ewing area as she introduces Beautiful Chaos Designs, a floral and gift shop. The store is located in the science room in the former Ewing High School, at 416 North Spruce Street.

Larsen's interest in floriculture took place in Butte, where she worked for Jan Ellwanger at the local greenhouse. During cold-weather months, Larsen learned how to make corsages and designed floral arrangements.

While her career path includes time working in the health care industry, Larsen said she kept coming back to "wanting that happiness" she experienced while working with nature's creations.

Eventually, she began working with Corinne Winings in O'Neill at Sunrise Floral.

"It didn't take me long to figure out this was my passion. Not just flowers, but helping people, making people smile, helping people find their creative side."

Larsen noticed people in this area weren't always able to order or receive flowers for myriad reasons, whether it be availability of flowers or inability for an on-time delivery.

"The more that happened, the more I felt a calling. I kept going back to 'I want my own shop.'"

The next piece: finding a place to grow her business.

"I was drawn to Ewing. It was the people, the town itself," she said.

Larsen couldn't stop thinking about the possibility of starting a floral business from the ground up.

It's a motto she shares with her children.

"If you can't stop thinking about it, don't stop working on it or toward it, because there's something there telling you to go for it."

One day after work, Larsen announced to her children she thought she'd dive in and start a business.

"Go for it," her oldest daughter, Avery, told her.

"I dove in head first."

She admits there have been times she wonders, "What did I just do?" There's been some blood shed and a broken finger, but Larsen knew what she wanted and worked for it.

She credits her grandmother for providing inspiration. She was her "safe place." When Larsen mentioned she couldn't find her groove, and jokingly asked if she was going through a midlife crisis, her grandmother told her to try something she liked doing.

"Is it that easy?" Larsen asked.

The statement stuck.

From the first moment she looked at the science room, the possibilities for what could be provided inspiration.

"When I looked at it, there were boxes and the dissecting frogs, the pig brains ... all of that was still in here. My heart skipped a beat because I could see my dream. I can make this work," Larsen said.

She's still in the process of converting the science room into her vision. She's repurposed shelves and added tin for a rustic look.

"I see so much potential and excitement when I'm here."

After a test run, the shop officially opened July 29.

In addition to cut flowers and floral arrangements, Beautiful Chaos Designs features succulents, potted plants and home decor.

Since opening, people have dropped in to introduce themselves and smell the roses, or carnations or daisies.

Larsen receives florals from a Sioux Falls vendor. A fresh stock of flowers arrive on Mondays, and if needed, she can place an ASAP order, with flowers restocked during the week.

While she doesn't have hundreds of flowers in the cooler, she does keep roses and carnations stocked, along with pre-made arrangements.

"Or you can chitchat with me while I make one," she added.

She hopes to add bereavement items, including lanterns and stones, that are affordable and high quality.

A bride-to-be chose Larsen to create her wedding arrangements. She plans to start small and, in the future, will expand wedding services.

"I don't want to overwhelm myself, I don't want this get to the point where this is a job. I love coming to work and developing new ideas," she said.

Eventually, Larsen envisions adding classes, teaching others to make corsages or arrange flowers.

All in time, as she continues to "find her groove."

She said she's excited to be open and meet area residents.

"I feel so much support and feel welcome," she said.