Editor’s note: this is one story in a series about local businesses in the City of Fairborn. This feature puts a face to the names of those that have been part of the community for many years — some of those best-kept secrets.
FAIRBORN — Hollon Flowers owner Carolyn Hollon-Evans attended the Greene County Career Center, where she studied horticulture and fell in love with the beauty of flowers.
She has always had her flower business in Fairborn, first at Rona Hills then later at the current location, which is next to her house. She has five employees; one is her granddaughter, who she loves working with and just as Hollon-Evans worked with her grandmother in a flower shop. She feels that the love of flowers runs in the family.
Her husband Ed Evans is owner of Elite Limousine and Excursions service, and works with her on making events special with her flowers and his limos.
“One example was a sweet 16 birthday party when they pulled up with the limo, inside was candy bars for the sweet and a bouquet 16 roses was placed where champaign would have gone, making it teen-friendly,” Hollon-Evans said. “It’s nice to combine the limo service with flowers, as romance is part of the total package – whether it be for weddings, proms or special date nights – we have it covered.”
The business mainly focuses on fresh cut flowers, but the shop carries items that go with flowers as well as the potted plants. Her favorite items include corsages for proms, dances and weddings, as she carries ribbons and decorations that match the girls dresses. She loves to see the smiles when they see the corsages.
Hollon-Evans services a variety of happenings, including corporate items, Christmas parties and retirement events. Wright-Patterson Air Force Base is a client she serves. She said her favorite event of the year is the Corna, a party for generals at WPAFB. She provides flowers for the big table in the center of the room with the given theme and colors, and has been doing it for more than eight years. She feels that it is very high-end work, and providing flowers for such makes her feel like a superstar.
Hollon-Evans has two delivery vans and delivers to Wright Patterson Air Force Base, as well as area hospitals. She services bridal shows, but like to keep them within in her own demographics.
“Most plan six months in advance, but I have done small weddings in a week and I don’t want to turn anyone away as some may only need a flower bouquet for that special day,” she said.
She feels that funerals are a sad part of the business, but she still tries to make it beautiful and special for the grieving families. Her services also include grave maintence.
She has lived in the Fairborn area since 1978, and has had her flower shop for 25 years and feels that it’s a labor of love; her favorite flower is white carnation “because they smell like peppermint,” she said.
Hollon-Evans has won multiply design contests and shows recognized by her peers. She has a certificate from the General Assembly of the Ohio House of Representatives, which was presented to Hollon Flowers on its 25 Anniversary commending it as one of Ohio’s finest businesses. She has also been an Ambassador for the Fairborn Area Chamber of Commerce and Fourth of July Parade Committee for many years.
She is involved in the Fairborn Blooms program, in which volunteers are responsible for buying, planting and watering flower pots that add beauty to the downtown area; she feels that it is near and dear to her heart, and anyone interested in participating can email her at [email protected] or call 879-4350.
