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CHESTER-Rich and Mecca Bowen have a funny way of defining retirement.
The Bowens say they’re within a year of retiring from their jobs as a corrections officer and a bartender. So what’s a couple to do? In their case-open a new business.
Bowen’s Hometown Florist, 560 Carolina Ave., Chester, opened on Aug. 1 and had its grand opening on Sept. 8.
The couple are stepping into the vacancy left by the closing of Flowerland, another Carolina Avenue business, in April. They believe Chester is ripe for a florist that also offers a variety of crafts, arrangements and decorations.
“There’s a big demand for this kind of business in the area, but you’ve got to have a wide selection of things. People want to see the actual things in the shop,” Rich Bowen said, noting that the store also delivers to East Liverpool and Wellsville.
Rich Bowen started thinking about starting a small business in the spring, when he walked into Flowerland and learned that it was up for sale. But Mecca Bowen has had the florist bug for more than 30 years, ever since she worked for a Newell flower shop under the tutelage of Mary Johnson.
“She was a great teacher. She pretty much taught me everything I know about designing,” she said.
To give their new small business a boost, the Bowens hired former Flowerland staff members Terri Rector, who has 27 years’ experience, and Nita Hall, who has 10 years’ experience.
“My husband approached me with the idea,” Mecca Bowen said. “This is not something I would have done without the help of Terri and Nita. This is something that I felt comfortable going into, with a little bit of help.”
The Bowens hope that, in addition to filling a need, they can contribute to the economic revitalization of Chester’s main street.
“It’s going to be a booming area again,” Rich Bowen said. “The local businesses and the city of Chester have been great in encouraging us.”
Bowen’s Hometown Florist will be open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Saturday.