Unique boutique opens in downtown Marion
Staff reporter
Two good friends having fun at work.
That's how they describe themselves and after about three minutes, it's evident the duo enjoys the new business venture and each other's company.
Tamara Christiansen of rural Durham, opened PLANTations at 420 E. Main, Marion, because she wanted to do something different.
A graphic artist at Western Associates for the past 11 years, the professional was looking for a new way to express herself.
"I've always liked dimension," she said, "and want to design different things. It's fun to design something with an end result."
With the support of husband Gary and her friends, Christiansen took the bold step of leaving a steady job and opening a downtown business.
In comes Darla Gore of Florence who has the formal training as a floral designer.
For Gore, this was an opportunity she wanted to take.
"I was thrilled that Darla wanted to work with me," Christiansen said.
"We're a good team," Gore said. "We can look at each other's work and ask the other 'Does this need something else?'"
As a matter of fact, their friendship began when Gore was Christiansen's babysitter. The two families were friends and as the two grew up, so did their friendship.
"Now I get to boss her around," Christiansen said with a laugh.
When customers enter the eclectic boutique, they see an array of unusual household, food, and decorative items. From coffee mugs to bird houses to jewelry and soup and dip mixes, the shop offers unique items not available anywhere else in town.
The other focus of the business, however, is floral arrangements and plants. Arrangements are available for weddings, funerals, birthdays, or any occasion. Fresh flowers and plants are delivered twice a week to accommodate demand.
Christiansen's goals are simple — to continue to offer new and different items, and to provide the best customer service.
How did she determine what to put in her store?
"The things in the shop are things that I love," Christiansen said. "They are a reflection of me. I hope customers love what I love."
Always looking for something new and different, Christiansen said she is constantly adding new items.
Items also will change with the seasons and holidays.
Looking forward to each day is important to the good friends.
"It's nice to wake up in the morning and look forward to going to work," Gore said.
Christiansen echoes Gore's comments.
"Life is too short," Christiansen said. "If there's something you want to do, do it."
