Budding Ideas was established in 1992 when Kathryn and Dan decided to pursue their love for floristry and picture framing in the welcoming rural community of Killam, Alberta. Kathryn is a professionally trained florist with a background in botany and has been interested in flowers and plants since she could walk. Dan is a North American certified picture framer and artist with a love for creativity and community involvement. Together their respective talents combine to make an interesting business mix that works very well. Located in the heritage Fee Hardware building, Dan and Kathryn began their journey as newlyweds in 1992 in the building next door to their present location, now Jam Tarts cafe.

"Honestly I don't know how we managed it when the kids came along," Kathryn says, " I was often creating bouquets with a baby on my back while dodging flower buckets and handing snacks to another child in the playpen! It made us passionate about getting involved in the start-up of a community daycare, so other young families could have reliable childcare. Not everyone has the opportunity to do take-your-kids-to-work-day every day!"

Running a business in rural Alberta can sometimes be seen as a challenge but the upside is the amazing support from the community and other businesses. Everyone pulls together to get things done and has such pride in their communities. People know they have to get involved and work together so we can all thrive. It's amazing and humbling to be part of it all. We want everyone that comes into our store to feel welcome and part of our community, even if you are just passing through. As proud residents of Killam and Flagstaff County, we love connecting people with other businesses, services, and activities in our area. Want to connect with us? Stop in and say hello or check us out on our website, Facebook or Instagram.

"It is a beautiful and humbling gift to be able to create for people. Relationships are the cornerstone of our business and we love designing pieces that reflect our clients. We want you to have the freshest, most fabulous flowers every time. Whether it's your wedding, a celebration, a message of caring in times of sadness, or a cheerful bouquet to brighten the dinner table, we want to make your day beautiful."

Customers also love their in-house, handcrafted wreaths and realistic silk flower arrangements to add a pop of colour and warmth to their homes. Dan and Kathryn are constantly exploring new design trends and flower varieties, creative containers and fun gift items to make your shopping experience enjoyable. Go visit their store and stop to smell the flowers. Life is worth slowing down for! Budding Ideas' selection of flowers and gifts comes from smaller, Canadian companies that allow them to bring in a unique and fun mix of flowers and plants, picture frames and art supplies, traditional toys and old-fashioned candy. This playful mix works well in the heritage brick building that has been in the Fee family for four generations.