Natalie Finley and Tina Beam

NCHS Alumni, Natalie Finley and Tina Beam, a dynamic mother-daughter duo, have turned a lifelong passion for flowers, retail leadership, customer service, and the community they love into a thriving business. Their story is one of serendipity, community support, and an unwavering commitment to bringing beauty into people’s lives through their floral and gift shop, “Gingers’ Gardens & Gifts.”

The journey began when Tina, NCHS class of ‘85 and a physical therapist assistant for 17 years, found herself at a crossroads due to the pandemic. Working in nursing homes, she witnessed the emotional toll of COVID-19 on residents and healthcare workers alike. Unable to bear the sadness any longer, Tina decided to make a change. Her supportive husband suggested she pursue something that made her happy, leading her to a receptionist position at an outpatient therapy clinic. However, Tina’s restless spirit needed more.

During this transitional period, Tina’s husband, who had visited the local flower shop, Buds N Blossoms, for flowers, learned from the owner, Diana Shryock, that the shop was for sale. Diana, after 27 years of running the business, was ready to retire. Intrigued by the idea, Tina discussed it with Natalie, who had been working in retail at Glik’s and managing their Mattoon location.

Natalie, a 2014 NCHS grad, with her background in radiology and retail, was initially hesitant but intrigued by the challenge. The duo decided to take the plunge, and in May 2022, they officially became the new owners of Buds N Blossoms, rebranding it as “Gingers’” to reflect their vibrant red hair and shared vision.

The transition was anything but smooth. They signed the papers on May 12th and started work the very next day, diving headfirst into a big service. Diana stayed on for two months to help them get their footing, and they quickly learned the ropes of running a flower shop. Despite the initial chaos, the community’s response was overwhelmingly positive. Customers were thrilled that the beloved flower shop would remain open under new management.

Natalie and Tina bring complementary skills to the business. Natalie, with her retail experience, excels in customer service and understanding clients’ needs, while Tina’s hands-on nature and creativity shine in floral arrangements. They balance each other out, creating a harmonious work environment despite the occasional mother-daughter tiffs.

Working together has strengthened their bond, allowing them to spend more time together than ever before. Tina fondly recalls Natalie as a little girl who couldn’t be without her mom and then as a teenager who wanted independence. Now, they see each other daily, and Tina appreciates the opportunity to work alongside her daughter.

Gingers’ has grown over the past two years, with a supportive team that includes former employees who missed the floral shop’s environment. Jennifer, a former employee, returned to the shop after realizing how much she missed working there. Karen then joined the team, bringing the total to five dedicated individuals who share a passion for flowers and customer service.

The shop’s name, Gingers’, is a regular controversy among grammarians and punctuation hounds, but the pair carefully considered the apostrophe placement, ultimately deciding that it should go after the “s” to signify that both Tina and Natalie are integral parts of the business and are both… ‘gingers.’ And, for what it is worth, their chosen use of punctuation passes muster with this writer and Oxford comma adherent!

Despite the challenges of running a small business, Tina and Natalie are committed to making Gingers’ a success. They have big dreams for the future, including remodeling the shop to put their unique stamp on it. However, they understand the limitations of time and resources, especially with the unpredictability of funerals and other floral needs, and so their first priority is to take care of their customers, as has been the custom in this shop throughout its history and across different ownership.

Their dedication to the community is evident in their customer service and their involvement in local events. They deliver standing orders to residents at the Villas, ensuring that each month a fresh bouquet brightens someone’s day. They’ve also built relationships with customers who rely on them for memorial arrangements, bringing comfort during difficult times.

Looking back on their high school experiences, both Tina and Natalie reflect on the importance of community and the connections they’ve made. Natalie, a band nerd who played the clarinet, cherishes the memories of marching in parades and performing at football games. Tina also values the relationships she’s built over the years, many of which have been rekindled through her work at Gingers’.

When asked what advice they would give to graduates, Natalie emphasizes the importance of doing what makes you happy. Tina adds that it’s essential to be open to change, as career paths can take unexpected turns. Both pieces of advice reflect their journeys, from physical therapy and retail to owning a flourishing flower shop.

As they look to the future, Tina and Natalie are excited about the possibilities. They’re always looking for ways to enhance their business but for now, they are focused on serving their community, one bouquet at a time, and cherishing the special moments they create together at Gingers’.

In a world where life’s pace can be overwhelming, Tina Beam and Natalie Finley offer a sanctuary of beauty and warmth, reminding us all of the power of flowers and the joy of working alongside those we love among people we call neighbors and in the place we call home.