A brand new business in Ponca City is Anytime Flowers and Events, owned by James and Joanne Ellzey. The new business is in the Hartford Center, 719 East Hartford. Mrs. Ellzey’s mom, Letecia Burkett, owns Anytime Flowers in Blackwell.

Ellzey has worked alongside her mom learning the florist business since she was young, bringing her mom’s knowledge, skills and legacy to serve their customers to have a successful business. Ellzey is not new to the business, just new to being the boss.

The Ellzey family has lived in Ponca City since 2011. She hopes to expand her business for weddings, proms, father daughter dances and much more. She teaches a Prom and Event Floral class in Marlow, Oklahoma each Spring. This year will be her fourth year to teach the class to other florists in Oklahoma and Texas. It is a one day event, teaching techniques and secrets for keeping flowers from falling apart. She hopes to include a class at her business to teach “Flowers on a Table” arrangements. In her words, “Flowers are pretty!”

She has a young family and is happy to be flexible with her business. She also has a part-time helper with children that allows for the same flexibility. Ellzey also served in the U.S. Navy for four years, with her job title as AW3 (Aviation Warfare System Operator), and as an air crewman, she flew on MH53 helicopters.

“During the COVID-19 Pandemic, it was scary to open the business of perishable goods, but I remain optimistic and know there is an opportunity for a new florist business. The community has been super receptive and with the upcoming holidays I’d like to let people know we are happy to offer Valentine’s Day flowers, potted plants, and additional accessories such as stuffed animals and holiday candy,” said Ellzey.

She is eager to let the public know that the bulk of fresh flowers comes directly from the farm, such as in Ecuador and Columbia, and tulips are from Holland. The potted plants are from American Plant Products in OKC.

The business also offers subscription plans on their website. With subscriptions one can choose between roses, seasonal flowers, and plants.

If you are interested in a subscription or would like more information about the store, call (580) 382-4020 or visit her website at anytimeflowersandevents.com.