Kathy Cowgill decided at age 15 that she wanted to work in a flower shop.
Originally from Grove City, her parents were friends with a couple who owned a flower shop, and Kathy began her career at that shop. Today, Cowgill, 68, is president of Cathy Cowgill Flowers in Plain Township.
“I was intent on being a floral designer and chose not to attend college. I have never regretted that decision, as I feel not everyone is suited to college,” she said. “As my floral career blossomed, I realized the need for specific business and accounting education and pursued that education and training before moving to Canton.
“Many people remark that it must be fun to work in a flower shop, and it is,” she added. “How can it not be? I work surrounded by colorful, vibrant, beautiful flowers. However, one must always keep in mind that I am in the business of selling flowers.”
She just celebrated her 40th wedding anniversary with her husband, John Cowgill. Five years ago, they moved from the Ridgewood area in Canton to Jackson Township. They have several pets — two cats at home, two cats at the flower shop and three dogs that work part time at the flower shop as goodwill ambassadors. The shop cats, Frankie and Max, are regularly featured on the flower shop’s Facebook page.
Cowgill’s Flowers was founded in Canton in 1909 by John’s grandfather. John is the third generation in the family business.
The couple decided shortly after they were married that they would like to branch off from the family business and begin their own flower shop, incorporating in 1986. They continue to be proud to be a part of the Stark County community.
“It is important to be active in our community — support those who support us,” Cowgill said. “Since our business was founded, our location has been close to the intersection of Whipple and Hills and Dales Road. We will be celebrating our 30th anniversary in our current location this summer.”
What does it mean to you to have the opportunity to carry on a family business?
It is heartwarming to have customers come into the shop and tell me that at one point, they worked for Cowgill’s, they went to school with one of the Cowgills, or they got their wedding flowers and prom flowers from Cowgill’s.
Having the name still known in Canton is huge. While we don’t have children of our own to pass the store to, there may be others that will step forward to assume responsibility of the shop when it comes time to lay down my floral tools.
We have worked hard over the past 39 years to build a good reputation, which is key to our success. It also makes me feel “seasoned” when I am now helping with wedding flowers for the children of couples who we did their wedding flowers! It’s one of those moments when you stop and wonder. Where did the time go?
How did you learn your design skills?
I worked in three floral shops in the Grove City area before moving to Canton, and at each shop, I had the opportunity to learn from those with whom I worked.
During my youth, my mom was involved in a local garden club, and I was a member of 4-H with floral and garden, which was the start of my education. The floral industry does not have a lot of design schools, and often, those of us in this field learn by doing.
Our field differs so much by region, so in travels I have learned by visiting other flower shops and talking to others, which is priceless.
How do you keep your ideas fresh?
I learn from others, see what works in their backyard, and figure out how we can adapt that to work for us. The floral industry has some very talented individuals whom we (my manager and staff) follow on social media and Society of American Florists group chats to learn.
We are a creative bunch, and sometimes, you decide to do it differently and see what the reaction from customers might be. We challenge ourselves to work smarter, not harder.
How do you stay active and healthy?
When we lived in the Ridgewood area, I had many flower beds that I loved to work in — the satisfaction after you competed a spring clean was huge — and we would sit on the porch and enjoy it.
After our move to our current home, we have fewer beds to maintain, which is nice. It allows me to enjoy them. I still have weeds to pull, just not as many. Gardening is therapeutic.
I do enjoy golf, participate in two informal leagues, and play with friends on Sunday, our own 9, and dine. It’s the perfect chance to play courses around here and enjoy good food and time with friends. Golf is a game that, while you play with others, the outcome of your game depends on you.
Word puzzles, number puzzles, solitaire and reading are favorite pastimes. I have loved to read since I was a child. While I don’t have a favorite author, I read mostly fiction for entertainment. If I read and enjoy one book from a series, I find myself reading the entire series. It’s somewhat like binge-watching a series on TV.
What was your favorite age growing up?
My favorite age growing up had to be my 20s. My family, both paternal and maternal, were always getting together with aunts, uncles and cousins for weekend family picnics and family reunions. Plus, in my late 20s and 30s, I realized how much that meant to me. Family is important, and the memories we create are everlasting.
Now that we aren’t getting together as much as we used to, I know how fortunate I was to have parents who knew family values were critical and worked hard to keep the family close.
Editor’s note: Five questions with … is a Sunday feature that showcases a member of the Stark County community. If you’d like to recommend someone to participate, send an email to newsroom@cantonrep.com.