Spring just arrived a little bit earlier in East Setauket this weekend.
The former location of Setauket Floral Design, which thrived for almost fifty years, is now home to Todaises, although it operated under the same name for a little over a year until its grand re-opening on Saturday afternoon.
The quaint florist’s proprietor is Brielle Caro, 24, who had been looking to parlay her interests in design and creative arts into a passion and a living. A graduate of Quinnipiac University in Connecticut, Caro studied business management and worked the marketing end of a finance firm.
“I never really found my niche. I was putting so much of my thoughts and effort into a company that I didn’t really care for too much,” Caro told The Messenger amid a packed house of friends, family, community members, and elected officials. “That, to me, was a sign to do something for myself, something that I can grow in the community.”
Caro says she picked up the profession “very quickly.” She recently came into full ownership of the store that employs, full-time, its former owner of twenty-five years.
“I have very big dreams, so I didn’t want to keep a hyper-local name and be spread out all over the Island. I wanted something nice, clean, and new,” said Caro of the name change, adding that for the first year or so of her ownership, it remained under the same name so as to “not confuse the community.” However, she notes that since Setauket Floral Design is a long-revered “staple” in the community, she intends to “maintain the quality of everything that everyone knows” about it.
“It’s the same place, just with a little facelift.”
Todaises purveys the classic florist fixings, such as weddings, funerals, and day-to-day events. The business also holds corporate accounts and maintains a subscriber base.
“Pretty much anything you can think of, we’ll make it happen,” said Caro.
Todaises also carries other items, such as jewelry and apparel from Caro’s mother’s line, Forever Natural, as well as body scrubs and oils, home décor, and seasonal items.
Additionally, the intrepid businesswoman joins the ranks of few Long Islanders who can say they own their own business before the age of 25.
“One of the major problems I had was coming into a staff who are all very used to the business, but I’ve done a good job at getting the hang of things,” said Caro. “But one of the problems I don’t have is not having a good support team. Every one of my designers does absolutely beautiful work.”
Caro oversees a workforce of five full-time employees, six if you count her boyfriend, who is “unpaid,” she jokes.
“Everybody helps out,” she said of her support system of many friends and family members. “It’s a real family business in a way.”
Familiar with her craft, Caro calls the ranunculus her favorite flower, although she contends that the choice varies with the season.
“Ranunculus are pretty and dainty, little flowers. They’re layered in a way that makes them so elegant and sweet,” said Caro.
The business is also up-and-coming on the technical end, with a custom website, a POS system, and subscription packages.
“I couldn’t have done any of this without all of you and your support and love,” Caro told attendees at the ribbon-cutting.
“With the rebrand and breath of fresh air, this is going to be a cornerstone of our community here,” said Assemblywoman Rebecca Kassay (D-Port Jefferson), adding that she is “grateful” for Todaises’ presence – and she’s already purchased flowers.
“We wish you great success – we’re excited to watch you ‘blossom’”, quipped Senator Mario Mattera (R-St. James). “Make millions; we know you’ll do well.”
Jane Taylor, Executive Director of the Three Village Chamber of Commerce, also welcomed Todaises to the neighborhood.
“Small businesses are the lifeblood of our community. We need you and we wish you best of luck,” said Taylor.
Todaises, formerly Setauket Floral Design, is located at 1380 NY-25A in East Setauket and can be reached at 631-751-9792. Todaises is open 9:00a.m. to 5:00p.m. weekdays, 9:00a.m. to 3:00p.m. on Saturdays, and 10:00a.m. to 2:00p.m. on Sundays.
