By Linda Stinnett

After 35 years of experience as a florist, Mary Alumbaugh found that working for others was leaving her no room for growth.

The 20-year employee of Dillons was working as the floral manager and that was the highest title the company offers in the department. Alumbaugh assessed the situation and decided she was ready to try being a Derby business owner.

A grand opening for Mary’s Unique Floral and Gifts, on the north side of the El Paso Village at K-15 and Wedgewood, will be held Jan. 29. With support from her family, she will open for regular business hours on Monday, Jan. 30.

The renovations to the 1,250 square feet of space were complete this week, but she was still working to stock her displays. And, she is able to say that even though the doors are not yet open, she has orders to fill.

“I have the best customers anywhere,” she said. 

They have followed her from the start of her career at Susan’s in Wichita through her career at Dillons, she said.

Alumbaugh will offer flowers for all occasions, including weddings, parties and sympathy. Her arrangements will be available in both fresh and silk flowers.

She will also stock unique gifts which cannot be found at other places in Derby, she said. 

The new storefront is in El Paso Village, primarily because of the traffic in the shopping center due to the opening of the Riverside Cafe, Alumbaugh said. With that potential customer base and the lower-priced rentals along the K-15 corridor, she believes it is a good location. 

The business will be a Telefloral florist and her website through that company is www.marysfloralderbyks.com. Along with Derby, she will provide delivery to seven area communities and south Wichita.