By CRISTINA JANNEY
Hays Post

Norman and Sandy Keller have embarked on a new adventure.

They purchased Regeena’s Flowers as of June 1 and recently opened at a new location at 1013 Main St.

Norman Keller has more than 30 years of floral experience. He is one of 21 people in the state who is a member of the American Institute of Floral Designers.

Norman studied art at Fort Hays State University. He started at his first floral shop as a delivery driver, but was soon moved to the design floor to help during holidays.

Norman said he will continue to deliver top-quality arrangements as he and Sandy move from being employees to owners.

Norman said it is hard to put a finger on his style.

“Everybody I talk to even at the hospital, they are like, ‘When we see flowers come in, we know that one had to be from Regeena’s.’ For some reason, I don’t know what we do different,” he said. “Something we do has a definite visual stamp of our own that we have created. I don’t know if it’s my combination of attention to the detail and texture and color or combinations of types of flowers. It was a God-given thing. I just kind of do what I love.”

Norman said his favorite aspect of floral arranging is giving back.

“My favorite part is probably the fact that no matter what I am doing the end result is that it is going to brighten or make a difference in someone’s day whether it be a simple birthday bouquet or a just because or to brighten your day. I love my brides. There is nothing like seeing their faces when you walk in the room and bring their bouquets to them. Sometimes I make them cry … but it is a good cry.”

“Even the sympathy part of it—the words that I have coming from clients after the funeral. We have lots of people come in and they are like, ‘The flowers were beautiful, and it was so comforting. What you created was perfect.’ It spoke to them, and it said exactly in flowers who that person was.”

Norman said he also enjoys working with a quality product. The store orders flowers from all over the world, including Holland, Ecuador and Kansas.

Sandy and Norman said they were excited to be downtown with more space to showcase their wares. Sandy said they have had a warm welcome to The Bricks. They were open during the recent Bazaar on The Bricks and look forward to participating in more downtown events.

The business has added a flower cooler, so customers can pick up last-minute, pre-made floral arrangements for special occasions, such as birthdays, anniversaries, or get well gifts. Norman said the arrangements cover different price ranges.

The business also takes orders for special events including weddings and funerals.

“Basically anybody who needs anything floral-related, we can make it,” Sandy said. “If they have a picture or some idea of what they want, somehow we will make a way to make it.”

Flower crowns for senior pictures and baby and pregnancy photo shoots are a new trend the business has been taking orders for.

Regeena’s also offers faux flower arrangements, and Norman said faux flowers for funerals is another trend.

The family can have something they can take home and have with them as long as they like, he said.

Regeena’s also carries other gift items, such as candles, fragrances and home decor.

“We want it to be ever-evolving, ever-changing as far as that part of the business goes, so people always have to come in to see ‘What the heck do they have in now,’ in addition to the flowers,” Norman said. “We think that is a necessary part of retail and always wanting your customers to come back to see what we are offering.”

Customers may also be greeted by the store’s mascots. The Kellers sometimes bring their Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Sophie and Jackson to the store.

Regeena’s is open 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays through Fridays and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays or by special appointment for weddings and funerals.