Sometimes an inspiration can develop in the most unlikely of places. Sadly, Andrea Moran and her sister, Lindsay Napiorkowski, had to attend a couple of funerals within a few weeks of each other. While there, they noticed that all the flower arrangements looked the same.
"We felt like we could carve out our own creative space in the market," says Andrea.
In 2015, the two started brainstorming and, in the spring of 2016, opened their own flower shop, The Rustic Root, on Harper Ave. in St. Clair Shores. The talented sisters offered organic and whimsical flowers and arrangements.
"They're not mechanical or look like something that came off an assembly line," she says.
In the fall of 2024, The Rustic Root moved to the downtown business district, and today, the name, The Rustic Root Design Co., reflects more of what they do.
"We decided to go more event-heavy," says Andrea. "We're always changing, always evolving."
Lindsay is the event coordinator and is wonderful at building rapport with customers. Weddings are a large part of their business. Still, they also provide flowers and arrangements for corporate events, fundraisers, showers, memorials, funerals, and more.
Andrea and her sister have many late-night conversations about where they want to take their business. One path involves supporting other small businesses and talented artisans by offering curated gifts. "We've met them personally and have relationships with our vendors."
One of these local artists is Kris Jezak. Customers really love her cards as well her art pieces and paintings. The two women enjoy creating a space for customers to come in, feel at ease and enjoy a shopping experience that cannot be found online.
Other fun offerings include private and public workshops, a unique way to spend time with friends and family. One may involve building terrariums using plants, and another might make beautiful floral wreaths.
"Here, they get to create something and take it home," says Andrea. "Most people like to make something that will stay alive for a long time, so I tend to go heavier on the plants.
"The workshops are very cathartic and relaxing. People come in feeling like they don't know how to do something and walk away refreshed and having learned a new skill." For Mother's Day, she especially likes to incorporate a kids' workshop where they can make something for mom.
Its Plant Bar, full of soil, rocks, sand, and colored moss, is also enjoyable for customers who want to assemble their creations.
Andrea loves running a local business and also living in Grosse Pointe. "My kids can ride their bikes, roam the neighborhood with friends, and enjoy the parks. It's an absolutely beautiful, small community."
She never thought she would one day own her own business. "I had two young girls, and I wanted to be available for them," says Andrea. "I was always trying to find that balance."
Her youngest, who was born shortly after the business was founded, spent a lot of time with her mom in the shop. "She grew up here and watched me working and doing the hustle. She's also very creative."
In addition to co-owning The Rustic Root Design Co., Lindsey also owns and operates Glow Salon, which is only a few doors down from the shop. "She's always multitasking, like the boss lady," says Andrea. "And I have an English degree, and I'm creative, and I feel like I'm speaking through flowers because flowers and words go hand in hand."
At the Rustic Root Design Company, they do speak a beautiful language.
TheRusticRootMI.com
"We're always changing, always evolving."
