Julie Boucher & Liisa Levesque . . . In

The Floral And Balloon Biz, It’s Better Together

local wedding decorator and florist have merged to now be housed under one roof — enhancing each other’s businesses and offering customers more variety and range of services.

Julie Boucher, Owner of Occasions of Elegance, recently moved her business into Authentic Floral Design, owned by Liisa Levesque and her husband Steve

Located in Windsor at 11400 Tecumseh Road East, Unit 3, Boucher and Levesque are sure the February amalgamation will help each company flourish.

“Liisa and I have been friends for years,” notes Boucher. “We have always referred our clients to each other, as well as stepped in to give each other a hand on different events. So merging made sense as now clients can come and sit with both of us and secure both services at once. It also provided Liisa the option to offer balloons to her clients and me the opportunity to provide florals to mine.”

Boucher has offered wedding/event décor and coordination services since 2005, through her business, Occasions of Elegance (Facebook.com/oofe.events).

In February 2022, she added balloon décor and gifts to her service and product line-up.

“What sets me apart is my customer service, my added touches and details, along with being on the smaller side,” explains Boucher. “Sometimes as much as a client would love to go all out for an event, it might not always be within their budget. I work with my clients to help them achieve the look they’re going for.”

Since Boucher is very family-oriented she believes this has given her an advantage as a woman in business.

“I get to know my clients and their families and I always strive to provide a welcoming experience from start to finish,” she describes. “This has enabled me to have many repeat clients along with their family members.”

The quote: “Anything worthwhile doesn’t come easy,” really resonates with

Boucher. As a mother of six children, times can be hectic with running a business.

“But it’s all about scheduling, putting the time and effort in and working towards growing every day,” she states.

The new retail space allows for her to always have grab-n-go balloon arrangements and gifts available, along with a selection of bridal and special occasion accessories.

As for Authentic Floral Design, which has been operating since 1996, Levesque and her husband took over in December 2022 (to learn more see their website: AuthenticFloralDesign.com).

A few months later the merger followed and so far it’s going great!

“I’ve welcomed Occasions of Elegance into my store with open arms as, like myself, Julie is a go-getter and I love her way of listening to clients and caring,” states Levesque. “We do all different occasions here so at times if people need a hug or shoulder to cry on or just pop in for a good laugh, we are here and we share the same outlook — and that is way better, any day, than a sale!”

Levesque loves brightening the lives of others and “just for fun,” she’s been known to hand out flowers to people.

“It’s so simple and it makes people happy,” she says.

With 30 years of flower designing experience under her belt, Levesque is very passionate about her business.

She aims to create different and fresh floral designs, always making sure every single customer is satisfied.

“I pay deep attention to my customer’s every need and care for them like they are my family — that is my main goal,” she expresses.

As a female entrepreneur, Levesque believes at times it’s hard to juggle work and home life because everyone needs you.

“Just stop, breathe and love your family,” she advises. “In the end, they are your number one fans.”