Business Spotlight -
May 2013
Heidi Ann's Flower Shop
Heart of Pittsfield Spotlights Heidi Ann’s Flower Shop
by Holly Zadra
May 1, 2013
Pittsfield – Heidi Ann’s full service flower shop has been in business for seven years, but owner Ann Mathews Duncombe has been in the floral business since she was 17 years old, “a long time,” said Ann with a wry smile.
“I’m very planted here,” she said.
Ann is at least a fourth-generation Pittsfield resident whose parents, grandparents, and great grandparents came before her. Ann’s great grandfather Benjamin Mathews was a printer and also served as sexton at the Pittsfield Peltoma Village Cemetery. Ann’s daughter, Heidi Ann, after whom the flower shop is named, is an MCI sophomore.
Heidi Ann’s Flower Shop on Main Street has been selected as the first Pittsfield business to be recognized by Heart of Pittsfield in its monthly “Business Spotlight.”
Ann explained the genesis of starting her own flower shop. After spending several years running an in-home day care, then taking time off to care for ailing parents, Ann decided it was time to work outside the home.
“Another flower shop in town closed, so I thought, this was the opportunity, if ever I was going to do it.”
Though the business is a flower shop, Ann said, “Making people happy is our goal.”
Just being in the shop lifts one spirits. Two companion cockatiels whistle imitations amidst oxygenating houseplants and fragrant fresh flowers.
Ann also features local artwork and rents tuxedos along with the fresh and silk flower arrangements and potted plants available for sale and delivery.
Two years ago, Ann moved the business from her home on Peltoma Avenue to the downtown location.
“There was a reason for being on Peltoma,” Ann said, “to work and still be available at home if needed.” Ann needed to be at home to take care of an ill family member.
After that, Ann moved the business downtown, and the business grew.
When asked what could help Heidi Ann’s and other small businesses in Pittsfield, Ann said, “I love the mentality of shopping local. If people think about what is available in Pittsfield before they head off to Bangor or Waterville, that would be helpful.”
“We really do appreciate local business.”
Heidi Ann’s Flower Shop is open to serve your floral and gift giving needs Monday through Friday 9:30 am to 5:00 pm and Saturday 9:00 am to noon with extended hours on holidays. For more information, contact owner Ann Mathews Duncombe at 487-5557.