First of Grow Waynesboro Winners Takes Root
WAYNESBORO, VA– The Faded Poppy was one of three winners of Grow Waynesboro’s Start-up Competition this past April and it is the first to open its doors at their new location at 220 Rosser Avenue. Owners, Sara and Jason Kite, have been operating their custom wedding and corporate event flowers and event planning services from their home. They have gained a strong reputation for one of a kind arrangements as well as invaluable planning and day of event coordination but, have maximized their capacity to operate without a dedicated space. With a $7,000 grant from Grow Waynesboro, they are now taking The Faded Poppy to the next level with a bricks and mortar location where they can better accommodate their growing clientele.
The Faded Poppy will celebrate the move to their new space with a Ribbon Cutting and Grand Opening on Friday, August 26th from 4:00pm to 5:00pm. “Weddings are a big people business. With their creative designs, The Faded Poppy is contributing to a thriving, prosperous market of the tourism industry,” said Linda Hershey, President and CEO of the Greater Augusta Regional Chamber of Commerce, who will be performing Friday’s Ribbon Cutting.
The space on Rosser Avenue will accomodate client meetings, studio space, and classes hosted by wedding industry professionals. “The Grow Waynesboro initiative occurred at just the right moment. The Faded Poppy would inevitably have moved into its own premises at some point in the near future but, thanks to the initiative, this was realized some time sooner and The Faded Poppy’s Studio is now a reality” says Sara Kite. The transition from a home-based business also allows for The Faded Poppy to bring on employees.
“The Faded Poppy has engaged in a network of Waynesboro area businesses catering to the growing wedding industry in the region. Their expansion through Grow Waynesboro will allow them the ability to effectively take on more clients and ultimately be job creators” said Courtney Cranor, Assistant Director of Economic Development and Tourism. “Sara and Jason Kite bring a level of energy and enthusiasm to the small business community that enhances what many of our entrepreneurs are working toward.”
