Today we’d like to introduce you to Leah Gardner.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
My love for plants and flowers was rooted in me at a young age. However, owning a business was just a far-fetched dream I had and one I never thought I would see come true. At the age of 19 and just finishing my freshman year in college, I needed a summer job. I started working at a local greenhouse. That summer job turned into 20 years of part-time and full-time work. That was where my true love and passion for flowers and gardens began.
Queen Bee’s started in my parent’s garage. I was dealt a large crop of lemons late Fall of 2021. As I was trying to figure out the next steps in life, I continued my third year side-hustle of creating Winter containers for existing clients and strangers on Facebook Marketplace. My boyfriend was watching me “create masterpieces” and he seriously suggested that I start my own business doing this type of work. I laughed it off and knew that I didn’t have what it took to start a business. With this thought looming in my head, I did know the only thing for sure was that I owed it to myself to follow my heart and soul with whatever I did next. I knew it needed to involve my passion for flowers, the outdoors, getting my hands dirty, and gardening. The night before Thanksgiving 2021, I saw a listing for a storefront in Monticello for rent. I inquired and took my mom to look at the space the day after Thanksgiving. It was my sign that I needed to take that leap and follow my dream. Signing that lease and writing that check was one of the scariest moments of my life. However, it was also one of my proudest.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Business ownership is far from a smooth road!
I went into this adventure not knowing a single thing about running and owning a business. I knew I had an amazing support system behind me willing to do whatever they could to make my dream come to life.
Being a transplant into a community is never an easy feat, especially considering I was entering a community with an already established flower shop. But I went all in, because I knew that was my only option.
Now being established and just starting my 4th year in business, I am experiencing growing pains. My 300 square foot shop gets pretty tight at times, especially during the large holidays, local funerals and weddings. During these times, there is a small path in the shop just large enough for customers to walk through and there are usually flowers flying! But that is what Queen Bee’s is known for; a small shop that creates a community. The tight quarters create relationships, because there is no where to hide!
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
Queen Bee’s Gardens & Floral offers a collection of services, all under one roof and 300 square feet.
We are a full-service flower shop offering the freshest arrangements for any occasion, including corporate events and weddings. My personal passion is funeral work. There is something about the connection, the celebration of a life, and one last tribute to a loved one. It all moves me.
We offer seasonal containers for both residential and commercial clients that bring continuous color and life throughout the year.
We also offer garden design services whether it’s for a completely new garden or just a refresh of the old and overgrown gardens.
I received my Diploma of Floral Arts and Sciences after completing 400 hours of class at Koehler & Dramm. I continue to take workshops and classes to keep up with the latest trends and remain up to date with my skills. I have competed at the MN State Fair since I started my business and I placed 5th overall in the North Central Floral Designer of the Year in 2024. I was Star Tribune’s MN Best Gold Winner Florist in 2023 and received Silver in 2024. I received the 2024 Outstanding Start-Up Entrepreneur of the Year by the Wright County Economic Development Partnership.
The Monticello Community opened their arms to a transplant and they continuously remind me why I am here. I am very active in the Monticello Chamber of Commerce where I also serve on the Board of Directors. I am involved with the Big Lake Chamber of Commerce as well. I volunteer when and wherever I can to help support this community, the people and the business that make it what it is. Nothing gives me greater joy than giving back.
We’d love to hear about how you think about risk taking?
Starting my business was the biggest risk I had ever taken in my life.
As a small business owner in the floral industry, I’ve learned that courage and risk-taking are essential ingredients for growth. Muhammad Ali once said, ‘He who is not courageous enough to take risks will accomplish nothing in life.’ Every time I’ve expanded my services—from adding garden design to seasonal containers to special events—I’ve needed to summon the courage to move beyond my comfort zone. The decision to invest in new inventory, expand my service area, or master new design techniques has always involved an element of risk. But these calculated risks, taken with passion and purpose, have become the foundation of my business today. My most successful offerings and cherished client relationships exist precisely because I was willing to take meaningful risks when opportunity presented itself.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.queenbeesgardens.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/queenbeesgardens/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/QueenBeesGardens
- Other: https://www.bbb.org/us/mn/monticello/profile/floral-design/queen-bees-gardens-floral-llc-0704-1000068425
