Figuring It Out: The Rusty Daisy’s Story of Resilience, Community, and Staying True to Yourself
For more than a decade, The Rusty Daisy in Daysland has stood as a shining example of what can happen when passion, perseverance, and community come together. Founder and florist Mandy has built a business that reflects her personality: creative, hard-working, and full of heart. As a longtime Flagstaff Crafted member, she continues to inspire other rural entrepreneurs to stay authentic, adapt to change, and keep “figuring it out.”
Building a Business with Heart
When Mandy opened The Rusty Daisy in 2012, she didn’t have a detailed business plan or a large staff. What she did have was an idea and the drive to make it work. From a 500 square foot shop to a 1,500 square foot destination, her business has evolved through sheer determination and community support.
Every year has brought something new: challenges, surprises, opportunities, and lessons. Through it all, Mandy has learned that growth isn’t about avoiding mistakes. It’s about responding to them, adapting, and moving forward.
“People would tell me everything will work out, and I’d think, how will it work out? I’m the one who has to make it work.”
For other business owners, her journey is a reminder that long-term success comes from persistence and courage, not a perfect plan.
“Sometimes I step back and think, I created that. I created all of it. It almost takes my breath away.”
Mandy
The Power of Support and Community
Behind every thriving small business is a network of people who make it possible. For Mandy, that network includes her family, her loyal customers, and her local community.
When her son was born, her mother stepped in to help. Around the same time, a friend in town took a leap of faith and opened a daycare, something Daysland didn’t have before. That single decision made it possible for Mandy to continue growing her business.
“If we didn’t have daycare, I couldn’t work. It really does take a village.”
Her appreciation for the community runs deep. She sees how every purchase, every shared post, and every recommendation creates a ripple effect that benefits everyone.
“Even if you don’t shop at my store, I shop at the grocery store. We’re all part of the same cycle.”
It’s this understanding of interconnection that has helped The Rusty Daisy become a pillar on Main Street. By supporting others, Mandy has built relationships that sustain her business year after year.
The Art of Figuring It Out
Through more than 13 years in business and her long involvement with the Flagstaff Crafted program, Mandy has gathered lessons that can guide anyone building something from the ground up. Her journey shows that the most powerful business education often comes from experience, not textbooks.
1. Focus on your strengths
Mandy describes herself as “old-school,” happiest with pen and paper in hand. Instead of forcing herself to master every tool or trend, she surrounds herself with people who can help. “There are always ways around not being good at something,” she says. “I’m not great at tech, so I get help.”
The takeaway? Success doesn’t come from doing it all. It comes from knowing what you do well and finding trusted people to fill in the rest.
2. Build your business around what you love
Everything in The Rusty Daisy is handpicked by Mandy because it’s something she personally loves. From bright, cheeky mugs to antique treasures, her store feels authentic because it is. “I can’t sell what I don’t love,” she says, and customers respond to that honesty.
When your business reflects what truly excites you, passion becomes your best marketing tool.
3. Authenticity always wins
Some of Mandy’s products make people laugh. Others raise eyebrows. She’s learned to be okay with both. “I just am who I am,” she says. “I’m not going to change because maybe one person doesn’t like it.”
In business, staying true to your voice builds trust. People remember how you made them feel, and authenticity always leaves a lasting impression.
4. Community over competition
Mandy believes in the ripple effect of supporting others. She shares posts from nearby shops, collaborates with local businesses, and celebrates Daysland’s new medical clinic for bringing more people to town. Realtors even send newcomers to her store so they can experience local charm firsthand.
“Even if you don’t shop at my store, I shop at the grocery store. We’re all part of the same cycle.”
Small businesses don’t just survive through sales; they thrive through connection.
5. Stay present
After more than a decade in business, Mandy’s biggest goal is to slow down and stay grounded. “My goal is to stay focused and do what I’ve intended to do for that day,” she says.
For many entrepreneurs, it’s a reminder that success isn’t always about scaling bigger or faster. Sometimes, it’s about appreciating where you are and trusting that the next step will reveal itself when the time is right.
A Space That Reflects Its Owner
Walking into The Rusty Daisy feels like stepping into a piece of Mandy’s personality. Bright displays, calming neutrals, vintage finds, and fragrant florals fill the shop. There’s a warmth and authenticity that can’t be manufactured; it’s built from years of care, creativity, and connection.
Visitors come for more than just flowers or gifts. They come to experience the spirit of small-town Alberta and the comfort of a space built from love.
“Every section is my personality. Maybe it’s a store dedicated to me, but it works.”
Mandy
Mandy’s story is a testament to what Flagstaff Crafted stands for: creative entrepreneurs building meaningful businesses in rural Alberta. Her journey shows that success doesn’t come from having all the answers. It comes from learning, adapting, and trusting that you can figure it out along the way.
Visit the Rusty Daisy
📍 Main Street, Daysland
☕ Stop in for coffee, florals, and locally inspired gifts
💻 Follow The Rusty Daisy on social media for updates and behind-the-scenes looks
