Thanks for the love! CO.

Sisters Lina Ulyanchuk and Viktoriya Kukharsky have an untraditional approach to the floral industry. Their business, Anthesis Co., specializes in expressive botanical arrangements more akin to art installations than bouquets.

“The short story: We just saw an opportunity within the floral industry to step in more as an artist, and not as a business owner,” says Kukharsky.

Soon after graduating from Eastern Washington University with degrees in visual communications and design, the pair launched their business in 2018. Together, business-minded Ulyanchuk and artistic Kukharsky sought to fill a niche in Spokane, where they could create locally sourced, personalized flower arrangements.

“I don’t see it as a product, I see it as an expression,” says Kukharsky. “I pour my heart and soul into my arrangements, and I think people resonate with that pretty well.”

The name, Anthesis, refers to the period of time when a flower is in bloom.

While the business’s conception was in 2018, Ulyanchuk explains that the company really began blooming during 2020 with the upsurge of virtual shopping and the need for contactless deliveries. As an online storefront, Anthesis experienced an influx of business, leading the sisters to expand to the studio they occupy today. Since then, people have been drawn to Anthesis for its personalized floral portraits and arrangements that feel highly individualized and artful.

“Humans love beautiful things,” says Kukharsky. “And if you have something beautiful that connects with you a little bit, you instantly draw to it I think.”

The sisters explain that they are grateful for the community’s recognition with a Best Of award but are also not surprised because the support from the Spokane community has surrounded them since day one.

“It’s nothing shy of a miracle with how much people have been getting behind everything that we do,” Kukharsky says.

— ELLIE ROTHSTROM

2nd PLACE: Appleway Florist & Greenhouse

3rd PLACE: Rose & Blossom

NORTH IDAHO’S BEST: Duncan’s Florist Shop, Hayden

Best Hotel The Davenport Grand

Before the Grand, there was a parking lot. Way before then, it was Trent Alley, a working class neighborhood of Japanese, Chinese, Italian, Greek and German immigrants working and owning the restaurants, barber shops, laundries, groceries and — yes — hotels that defined the east end of downtown. The Grand brings a similar diversity of people and purpose to its patch of land, with its swank rooms for convention goers and plum spot adjoining the First Interstate Center for the Arts. Locals can still enjoy its high-end offerings, especially in the summer during happy hour on its rooftop patio. (ND)

2nd PLACE: The Historic Davenport Hotel

3rd PLACE: Northern Quest Resort Hotel

NORTH IDAHO’S BEST: The Coeur d’Alene Resort

BEST ORGANIC/NATURAL FOODS

HUCKLEBERRY’S NATURAL MARKET

Every time I walk into Huckleberry’s, Spokane’s OG natural market, I always head to my few choice spots. The massive produce section. The grocery carts filled with clearance items. The wall of cold beer. The bistro, to simply enjoy the sights and scents. Then, with trepidation and a growing knot in my stomach, I head to check out, always with the same questions: Am I in the right line? Is this even a line? Wait, did I forget my bag? (ND)

2nd PLACE: Pilgrim’s Market, Coeur d’Alene

3rd PLACE: Main Market Co-op

Best Farmers Market Kendall Yards Night Market

“It’s a festival every Wednesday. Great storefronts and open environment. Reminds me of Moss Bay Days in the ’70s. Love it!” (Tami K.); “Large variety of vendors.” (Patricia B.); “Live music.” (Kate V.)

2nd PLACE: South Perry Farmers Market

3rd PLACE: Liberty Lake Farmers Market

NORTH IDAHO’S BEST: Kootenai County Farmers Market, Hayden

BEST LOCAL CANNABIS BRAND BLUE ROOTS CANNABIS CO.

“Stay true to the blue! They have hard workers, ensuring a quality product by hand!” (Laura Y.); “Always has good strains. Very consistent in quality, never been disappointed.” (Jess B.); “Best cannatelas in the world.” (Jordan B.); “Because nothing makes my days more tolerable than Blue Roots.”(Jennifer C.)

2nd PLACE: Phat Panda

3rd PLACE: Root Down

BEST PET SUPPLIES NORTHWEST SEED & PET

DEALERSHIP WENDLE MOTORS, FORD, NISSAN

BEST NEW CAR

Wendle Motors has been serving the Spokane area since 1943. If you’re not quite following, that’s 80 years of selling new cars in the region. Wendle, which is family owned and operated, assists with every part of the process from helping customers pick out their new dream cars, maintaining them once they’ve hit the road and arranging any financial assistance their customers might need. (MP)

2nd PLACE: Subaru of Spokane

3rd PLACE: George Gee, Buick, GMC, Kia NORTH IDAHO’S BEST: Parker Subaru, Coeur d’Alene

BEST JEWELRY

Jewelry Design Center

Diamonds are the timeless icon of the jewelry world, and they’re the specialty of the Jewelry Design Center. Since opening in 1977, the store has remained a staple business in the Inland Northwest. Their collection features hundreds of pieces, including Jewelry Design Center Handcrafted rings and necklaces. In need of a custom design or repairs on your favorite accessory? They’ve got you covered there, too. (SSa)

2nd PLACE: Pounder’s Jewelry

3rd PLACE: Tracy Jewelers

NORTH IDAHO’S BEST: Clark’s Diamond Jewelers, Coeur d’Alene

“Knowledgeable, compassionate, and they donate to The Humane Society and The Friends of Manito.” (Leigh H.); “I love this small business! I love that I can bring my dogs, and the owner has often recommended options and provided samples of healthier alternatives for my pups when it comes to treats.”

(Taylar M.); “Knowledgeable people. Locally owned, great pricing.” (Richard B.)

2nd PLACE: The Urban Canine

3rd PLACE: Prairie Dog Mercantile

NORTH IDAHO’S BEST: GoodDog Pet Supplies, Coeur d’Alene

BEST VINTAGE CLOTHING BOUTIQUE

BEST VINTAGE HOME DECOR & FURNITURE BOULEVARD MERCANTILE

“Always a treasure to be found.” (Bobbi P.); “Eclectic, unusual and right up my alley.” (Sarah H.) “They maintain a beautiful store with well-curated spaces that make sure to change things up throughout seasons and trends.” (Lily C.)

BEST VINTAGE CLOTHING BOUTIQUE

2nd PLACE: Veda Lux; 3rd PLACE: Teleport Vintage + Co.

NORTH IDAHO’S BEST: Rebel Junk, Coeur d’Alene

BEST VINTAGE HOME DECOR & FURNITURE

2nd PLACE: Chic & Shab; 3rd PLACE: The Bohemian

NORTH IDAHO’S BEST: Midtown Home & Vintage Market, Coeur d’Alene