VIENNA — One of Vienna’s longtime businesses recently bloomed into its next chapter when Cole Higbie took ownership of The Flower Basket at the end of September.

Higbie, 24, is a resident of Vienna and an Iberia High School graduate. Those around town may know him from his involvement in community organizations such as the Vienna Chamber of Commerce, the Vienna Lions Club and First Baptist Church Vienna; as the past vice president of the Maries County Fair Association or his previous job with the Birmingham-Martin Funeral Home. Now, he is looking to make a name for himself as a small business owner serving clients in Vienna and surrounding areas.

Although family members in Vienna helped Higbie establish roots here, his interest in flowers began when he was still in Iberia.

“I’ve always had a passion for floral design,” he said. “My aunt’s mother-in-law (Ginger Hensley) had the flower shop in Iberia for years, so I’ve always been around it, and it’s something I’ve always wanted to do.”

Iberia’s Baskets & Bows has changed ownership a few times, but Higbie said he has been friends with past owners and the current owners. He got his start working in floral design just in time for Valentine’s Day in February 2019.

“I always piddled around with flowers, making wreaths for people and doing craft shows,” Higbie said. “In high school, they ask ‘What do you want to do in life?’ and I was narrowing down what I wanted to do. After graduation, I attended MU for some floral design classes, but it was all basic stuff, and I knew it, so I just started applying for jobs in the industry and went from there.”

Higbie’s friendship with one of the funeral home employees told him about the business’s need for extra help. He came to Vienna for the position, which included assisting with floral arrangements.

After working at the funeral home for about two years, he knew he wanted to do more with the floral industry. The Flower Basket’s previous owner Angie Thompson had been looking to sell the business, so Higbie approached her about buying it. On Sept. 27, Higbie announced the change in ownership on The Flower Basket’s new Facebook page.

Thompson announced the change on the business’s original Flower Basket Facebook page.

“Thank you so much for allowing me to be your florist these past 20 years,” the message read. “I’m going to miss all of you!”

Oct. 1 was The Flower Basket’s first day of operation with Higbie at the helm. He said the types of products and services remain the same with offerings including fresh flowers, silk flowers, live plants, wind chimes, home decor, photo printing and more available in-store and through local deliveries within about 30 miles.

“We’ll do birthdays, anniversaries, special events, weddings, funeral work, just about anything flower-wise,” Higbie said.

One of Higbie’s plans for the business is to use local suppliers whenever possible while ordering online when he cannot get things here in mid-Missouri. Fresh flowers come from a Rolla-based wholesaler.

“I love all flowers,” he said. “I like bright colors. My favorite flower arrangement would be funeral work. That may seem odd, but to do a casket spread, I try to cater to the family as much as I can in a time of loss.”

Higbie said creating floral designs is a creative outlet, and he appreciates the innovative thinking inspired by some of his requests. He recalled a recent order that required some inventiveness.

“The man that passed away, he loved to ride horses,” he said. “The family wanted his saddle for the casket spread with flowers with it, so I just made an arrangement on top of the saddle. I had to get creative there and ask ‘What am I going to build upon?’ because you want to protect the saddle.”

As Higbie embarks on a new journey as a business owner, he said the community reception has been welcoming.

“The support has been wonderful from the community,” he said. “Everybody seems to be happy for me. I like the close-knit of the people here.”

“I’m super excited and proud of him,” Higbie’s mother Bridget, who has been helping him at the shop, said. “Not many 24-year-olds even know that they want a business, let alone make it happen. He’s always told me that he was going to have this place one day, so he went for it. I’ve never had any doubts.”

The Flower Basket’s current hours are 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday. Extended hours for holidays and special promotions are likely in the future along with open houses. The business will announce those at a later date.

Customers can visit The Flower Basket at 201 Hwy 63 South in Vienna. The phone number is the same: 573-422-3131. The email address has changed to flowerbasketviennna2024@gmail.com.