Waldo Welcomes Studio by Dan Meiners

One of Kansas City’s premier floral shops recently relocated to Waldo…welcome Studio Dan Meiners Floral and Events at 7432 Wornall! You may remember Dave Smith The Lampmaker was in this spot for over 50 years, closing in January 2020.  This space has been remodeled and refreshed, and the friendly staff is ready to meet you and serve their new neighborhood. 

Dan Meiners started his floral business many years ago, selling stems from the back of his car.  He’s retired now, after growing the business over the years into a multi faceted company. Sure, you can walk in and grab a fresh bouquet or order a delivery, but Studio Dan Meiners does so much more.  The staff will help you plan  large and small events:  special occasions like weddings, showers, anniversaries, corporate and private parties.  Working with you on the theme of the event, they will design and oversee every detail: arranging for tables, chairs, linens, glassware, music, food, photography as well as all the flower decor.  Gale Nation, one of the managers, explained the reason for the move from their former space on West Pennway near Union Station:  “ We wanted a retail space in addition to our production space, and wanted to be in a walkable, friendly area.  We looked at several spaces and after seeing this one, and it made sense to move here to Wornall and Waldo”.  

Because Studio Dan Meiners is known for its stunning floral displays, I wanted to spend some time talking to head floral designer Justin McGuire.  He’s been  with the company for 25 years, starting off doing arrangements and now overseeing every floral order and design.  What is Justin’s biggest challenge in this business?  “Weddings” he replied, “Getting the flowers in, ordering them on time and keeping them fresh and in peak condition until the big day.  Sometimes we may have to make adjustments at the last minute due to unforeseen circumstances.  It’s a physically demanding job too, to get everything perfectly in place, especially the large floral archways and hanging flowers from ceilings and light fixtures.  Every design has a recipe card, outlining exactly how many of each flower goes into the bouquet or display and we want everything to be perfect! ”.  Often he and his staff get creative using personal objects in arrangement, such as incorporating a  fishing lure or hat in a funeral floral display.  And when the big event is over, the flowers are often donated to local hospitals, nursing homes or composted.  

At this new location, the staff is planning to host pop up events and various classes open to the public. Those include how to create Terrariums (very popular now), seasonal wreaths, indoor plant arrangements and arrange a fresh flower vase. You can sign up for their email list to stay current on what’s happening. This new spot also has a display of grab and go gifts for sale, such as earrings, sweets, snacks, cards and candles from the Midwest area. 

Stop in and say hello the next time you are in the area…or give Studio Dan Meiners Design and Floral a call if you need help with anything from a simple floral delivery to an upcoming special event.  They are ready to help!

From left: Ashely Ritchie, Kimberly Ransdell, Gale Nation, Justin McGuire

New Floral Shop Opens in Waldo

Flowers!  Can’t help but smile when you walk by a colorful floral garden, a unique centerpiece or receive a blooming arrangement that fills your space with a soft, fresh scent.  Waldo has a new flower shop, Botanica Flower Studio at 7443 Broadway—and I stopped by last week to find out more.

Heather Coones

Owner Heather Coones has been a florist for eighteen years.  Back in her college days at K State, she would walk the campus dreaming of owning her own shop.  She earned a degree in geography as she loves to travel—and eventually got a job at The Fiddly Fig.  After a while, she struck out on her own, doing wedding and special events out of her Leawood home.  Finally, she just fulfilled her dream and opened the small shop, sandwiched between Hiles Two and Soap Station, a couple of storefronts south of Waldo Pizza.  Heather grew up in Brookside, and explained why she picked this Waldo spot: “ I love this area.  It’s a good location and I know the community supports local businesses.  There is easy access to many special event locations.  And I like to connect with people on a daily basis—flowers make people happy!”.

I asked Heather what makes her bouquets and arrangements different from others.  Her approach is to offer a “really good value. When you order from me, I look at what flowers and greenery are at their best at the time, and I get my product from local growers as well as wholesalers.  I like unique color combinations; I use lots of different textures, incorporating greens and herbs.  I like to use flowers and greens that you don’t always see in a shop.   The trend  in arrangements now  is the loose, gathered garden look —not a tight, stiff, rounded  arrangement.  I like to work with my customers to create something different that still looks fresh, eye catching and expressive.”

Botanica Flower Studio also has several kinds of vases and potted plants for sale; Heather plans to add Cedar Street Toffee treats for sale if you want to add sweets to your bouquet!  Behind the store is a shady, cozy, open air patio that’s available for small private wedding showers.  Current hours at the shop are 12-5 Monday through Friday; delivery is available.  The best way to order a single special bouquet or arrangement right now is to email Heather from the website—however, walk ins are welcome! 

Botanica Flower Studio is located at 7443 Broadway in wonderful Waldo!