|
The youngest of three siblings, with two older brothers, Amy’s life took a profound turn when her father suffered a stroke. Her mother, previously a housewife, was thrust into the role of breadwinner, managing Amy's father’s American Family Insurance agency while he recovered. "Watching my parents navigate that challenge was life-changing," Amy reflects. “My mom learned how to run the business while my dad re-learned how to “do life”. It was their tenacity that shaped my outlook on life—never giving up, no matter the odds.”
Amy’s mother later became a licensed practical nurse (LPN), embodying the self-sufficiency she instilled in her daughter. “She always told me that I needed to stand on my own two feet, not to depend on anyone else,” Amy recalls. It’s a lesson that would carry her through the challenges ahead, as she worked three jobs while attending interior design school, determined to carve her own path.
A Flower Shop and a New Beginning
Amy’s journey to owning her flower shop in Lakeville began almost by chance. She started working for a couple who owned a small flower shop in the heart of downtown, right on the corner where Board & Brush now stands. But the shop owners soon found themselves in financial difficulty, going from what seemed like unlimited resources to not being able to afford basic inventory.
“There were times I used my own paycheck to buy flowers just to keep things going,” Amy remembers. Eventually, the couple had to leave, and Amy faced a decision that would change her life. With the support of Jerry Enggren, owner of the now-closed Enggren’s Supermarket next door, and a partner, she took over the flower shop. “Jerry was a huge support,” Amy says. “He believed in me, and he gave me the shop.”
When her partner left, Amy found herself running the business alone. It was a steep learning curve, and the first year was a struggle to stay afloat. Without money for advertising, Amy relied on her product to market itself. “I’d put extra flowers in arrangements, more than what the clients paid for, hoping they’d love it enough to come back,” she shares. Her strategy worked, and over time, she built a loyal customer base.
The Enggren family became like a second family to her during this time. Amy, who didn’t yet live in Lakeville, would often stay with them on nights when the drive back home felt too long. Their support, both personal and professional, helped solidify her place in the Lakeville community. “It wasn’t just a business relationship,” Amy says. “They really made me feel like I belonged here.”
A Cornerstone of the Community
In 2006, when Enggren’s Supermarket closed, Amy moved Flora Etcetera to its current location, nestled between Cornerstone Copy and Niche Books in downtown Lakeville. Her landlord, Mark Hotzler, has been a constant support ever since. “Jody Enggren told Mark that I was a great tenant, and he’s taken care of me ever since,” Amy says with gratitude.
Amy’s dedication to the Lakeville community goes beyond running a successful business. She frequently donates her time, talent, and floral arrangements to local organizations such as the Lakeville Chamber of Commerce, the Lakeville Public Safety Foundation, 360 Communities and Lakeville Area Schools – to name just a few. She’s also known for creating beautiful floral arrangements from extra inventory for memory care facilities in town. For Amy, giving back isn’t just about business—it’s personal.
“I’ve been fortunate to be part of people’s lives during their happiest moments, like weddings and proms, but also during some of their hardest times, like funerals,” Amy reflects. She has even taken corsage orders the day of homecoming or prom, for those high schoolers who may have waited just a little too long. “Knowing that I can make a difference, even in a small way, is what keeps me going.”
Embracing Lakeville's Charm
Over the past 31 years, Amy has witnessed significant changes in downtown Lakeville, yet she believes it has retained its small-town charm. “This town has grown on me,” she says, laughing. “I’m a city girl at heart, but Lakeville’s slower pace, the personal interactions, and the sense of community here—it’s special.”
She’s excited about the future of downtown Lakeville and has hopes for continued growth, envisioning a few more specialty retail shops and perhaps even a pop-up market on Saturday mornings during the warmer months. “There’s so much potential here,” she says. “I think we’re just getting started.”
Advice for the Next Generation
As someone who has weathered the ups and downs of business ownership, Amy has valuable advice for young entrepreneurs. “Nothing changes if nothing changes,” she says, repeating one of her favorite sayings. “You must be okay with failing. It’s part of the process, and it’s where you learn the most.”
Looking to the future, Amy is keeping her plans open. “Maybe a dog, maybe a relationship,” she muses with a smile. “Time will tell.”
For now, Amy is content continuing to do what she loves—running Flora Etcetera and being a part of the Lakeville community that has become her second home. “This is where I belong,” she says, “and I couldn’t imagine being anywhere else.”
A Lasting Impact
As Lakeville continues to grow and change, one thing is certain: Amy Povroznik’s contributions to the town’s vibrant community and her business legacy are here to stay. From her early struggles to her current success, she has proven that hard work, resilience, and a deep commitment to the community can turn even the smallest flower shop into a cornerstone of a town’s heart. Amy’s journey is far from over, but her roots are firmly planted in Lakeville—right where they belong
Amy will be honored as this year’s Lakeville Chamber of Commerce Businesswoman of the Year at the Chamber’s annual Women’s Symposium & Expo on November 12th at Brackett’s Crossing Country Club. She joins Laurie Bolin (360 Communities), Patti McDonald (McDonald Eye Care Associates), and Karen Wentworth (HOBO, Chemquest, Triton), as the fourth woman to receive this honor.
| 
