Whether it’s a grandiose bloomy show for a wedding, a stately arrangement for a funeral or just a simple pop of color to brighten mom’s special day, flowers can say just the right thing.
“Someone told me last week that flowers are for the emotions of the moment. They’re not meant to last forever. Whether it’s comfort for a funeral or to celebrate a joyous occasion, flowers express how you feel in that given moment,” said Emily Betler, the new owner of McCandless Floral, located at 8601 Old Perry Highway in McCandless.
The 2019 North Allegheny graduate recently purchased the business from Janet Woloszyk, who has been operating McCandless Flowers for 49 years. Woloszyk, also a McCandless resident, didn’t have any plans to sell, but Betler had just graduated in May 2023 from Pennsylvania State University with a bachelor’s degree from the College of Agricultural Sciences in plant science horticulture and a minor in international agriculture.
It seemed like the perfect arrangement.
“I was not looking to sell. It was Emily who approached me and asked if I had any thoughts on selling. It was the perfect the opportunity for me and for Emily. I know her work ethic and who she is as a person. Her desire to create something special (was) right on track with how I would envision the business go forward,” Woloszyk said.
Betler received her master’s degree from Smeal College of Business at Penn State in 2024 and had been working at McCandless Floral for three years. She officially took over in January.
While Woloszyk and her family have run McCandless Floral since 1976, she will continue working at the shop as a consultant. She knows she’s leaving it in good hands.
“I will be 70 this year. I loved working,” said Woloszyk, who was a nurse for 25 years. She also owns JW Communicate and works as a business consultant. She is a director for AmSpirit Business Connections, a national networking organization.
The key to McCandless Floral’s devoted customer base is its personal touch.
Helping customers with questions on selecting perfect flower choices or filling last-minute requests shows their dedication to creating the perfect product.
Betler, who interned at Metrolina Greenhouses Inc. in North Carolina, also studied abroad in Kenya in 2022, teaching children who grew up on the street how to grow their own food for themselves and their families.
“It is the perfect combination of my two degrees. I can use my business knowledge and be hands-on, work with people and engage with the community. You get to be here for the good times and the hard times. Flowers are part of everyday life. It’s a blessing,” Betler said.
The store often uses local vendors, and customers comment on how long the flowers last.
Betler’s tips for longevity include cutting the flower stems every few days and changing the water regularly, using cool water. She also recommends keeping the flowers in a temperature-neutral part of the house and not letting them “bake” in the sun or placing them on a heat vent.
When it comes to weddings, light-blue flowers seem to be trending, Betler said, suggesting blue delphiniums are a good choice.
“It’s a nice part of the day to get to meet with a bride and see all of their angst and nervousness. But they always cry, happy tears, when they see the flowers,” she said.
It is prom season and the store offers boutonnieres and three bouquet sizes, including the small handheld nosegay. Customers can custom make a corsage with extra “bling.”
But order early because prom and Mother’s Day fall around the same time, Betler said.
Regarding ideas for Mother’s Day, which falls on May 11 this year, Betler recommends getting mom’s favorite flowers or asking for a designer’s choice arrangement.
Rebecca Lazeration, general manager of Priory Hospitality Group in Pittsburgh, has been working with McCandless Floral and Janet for years for all of their floral needs, including hotel flowers, package bouquets and, more importantly, event clients. Priory Hospitality Group includes The Priory Hotel, Mansions on Fifth and Pittsburgh’s Grand Hall.
“We were shocked to learn Janet was hanging up her clippers to enjoy retirement life but wished her well on the next chapter of her life. We met Emily and we were instantly thrilled to learn she had been with Janet for three years and would be taking over,” said Lazeration, while lauding the smooth transition.
“McCandless Floral has not missed a beat and comes through with amazing arrangements that fit our client’s visions and budgets. Emily has given a personal touch by reaching out to any of our clients who need and would like the extra personal touch. We even go to Emily for our own personal floral needs such as homecomings, proms or dinner parties.”
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Glen Mason of AmSpirit is another devoted customer.
“Congrats to Emily and Janet. McCandless Floral, same great arrangements. Fresh and beautiful. Missing you, Janet. Emily will be a great person to build on your legacy for the next 49 years,” said Mason, a Pittsburgh resident.
Betler said she is looking forward to growing the store.
“I’d love for it to be around another 50 years,” Betler said. “I love every moment of it.”
McCandless Floral will be offering blooming dish gardens, potted plants, a variety of vase arrangements and specialty arrangements for Mother’s Day. The items can be preordered at mccandlessfloralinc.com or by calling the shop at 412-367-8708.
McCandless Floral is open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Mondays through Fridays and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays. Special consultations are available.
Editor’s note: This story has been updated to reflect the business was purchased from the previous owner, Janet Woloszyk, who also appears in the photo and is not related to the new owner.