Vantage Point
Beyond the Vine Much More Than Flowers
By Angella A. Arndt
A warm welcome, design inspiration, and exceptional customer service await at Beyond the Vine, a locally-owned florist and gift shop. The showroom is a delight for the senses, filled with fresh flowers, custom floral arrangements, and unique home accessories. The business is about much more than flowers, explains owner Rose McCormick.“It’s about serving our customers and nurturing the soul.” As a young child, Rose spent time with her mother in the Old Market, exploring art, pottery classes, and a plant shop that sparked Rose’s lifelong passion for plants. At age 15, she started her first job in a flower shop in a Brandeis department store. Fueled by a dream of owning her own business, Rose earned a floriculture degree from Kansas State University and a business management degree, with a marketing emphasis, from the University of Nebraska Omaha. In 1985, Rose had an opportunity to buy the flower shop she worked for inside the Younkers Department Store at the Center Mall located at 42nd and Center. Business ownership, however, was not an easy path for a 23-year-old woman. Her hurdles were two-fold: She needed to assume the lease for the flower shop space inside Younkers, and she needed a business loan to buy the business itself. She approached Younkers headquarters about assuming the lease but was told they did not want to lease to a woman, although they would allow her to sublease the space from her boss. After receiving a letter from Rose’s boss stating that he preferred to have Rose lease the space directly, Younkers relented and agreed to lease directly to Rose. However, the battle wasn’t over; she still needed to obtain a business loan. Rose diligently put together a loan application package. She prepared a business plan, including comprehensive financial projections. After several banks refused to meet with her, frustration and doubt started to creep in, but she refused to give up. Her father introduced her to a local banker, and Rose presented her business plan. She impressed the banker, who told her that not many men were as well prepared. Rose’s father offered to provide his farms as collateral, and the banker agreed to give her a loan to buy the business. In 1987, Rose acquired her second location when Younkers bought out Brandeis. She was asked to take over the flower shop located inside Younkers at Crossroads Mall. A few years later she sold the Center Mall location to an employee after Younkers closed that store. In 2003, she relocated to 130th and West Center Road. Beyond the Vine launched a web store in 2007. In 2015, Beyond the Vine celebrated its 30th anniversary and moved into its current 4,000-squarefoot showroom, located at 13206 Grover Street. Beyond the Vine is not a typical floral shop. In addition to fresh flowers, the shop sells custom silk floral arrangements, 18
May 2021
trees, wreaths, accent furniture, lamps, and artwork. Decorative items, photo frames, Rose McCormick, owner candles, and diffusers are available to add finishing touches to your home. Free accessorizing consultations are available at the shop or in your home. The shop also offers wedding and party planning services, including unique florals and table accessory rentals. Holiday decorating services are also available to adorn your home for the holiday season. All Beyond the Vine floral arrangements are designed in-house and are one-of-a-kind. “We are known for our originality,” Rose relates. “We buy our flowers directly from growers, so they last longer. We provide high-quality and unique designs and are happy to go the extra mile to serve our customers.” The shop also has an unconditional guarantee: If customers are dissatisfied for any reason, they may request a replacement. Rose encourages all women to follow their dreams. Her advice to other women seeking to start their own business is to be prepared. “Do your research, be organized, and have a business plan. Be confident when you meet with a loan officer.” She also believes that advertising is crucial to success. “A business plan must have an advertising budget.” In the early stages of her business, Rose generated interest by taking bouquets of fresh flowers, along with her business card, to businesses around town—a practice she still follows today. Rose would love to find a successor to carry on her vision. She would like to train someone to take over the business when she retires. “We are involved in the circle of life in the floral industry,” she points out. “Flowers are often a part of life’s significant occasions, including births, graduations, weddings, anniversaries, and funerals. It’s an honor to serve others during those special moments in their lives.” Beyond the Vine is located at 13206 Grover Street, in Omaha. The shop is open Monday through Saturday from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. You can call the shop at 402-397-4585 or find them online at gobeyondthevine.com.
