Welcome

Carole Sullivan’s floral shop, Lagniappe Designs, looks more like artist’s studio than a storefront business. The walls are lined with shelves, stacked from floor to ceiling with ribbons, vases, centerpieces, candelabras, and all manner of decorative objects designed to hold glorious floral arrangements for special occasions. Toward the back of the shop is a long table, Sullivan’s workbench, and when the door to the walk-in cooler opens, the scent of fresh-cut flowers fills the air.

She has boxes upon boxes of photos of her work. Weddings, galas, birthday celebrations, corporate parties-if the event calls for flowers, Sullivan answers that call.

Although she has always loved flowers, it wasn’t until all five of her sons were in college at the same time that she decided to test her talents in the business world. In 1991 she opened her store in Crestline Village and she has been busy ever since.

Sullivan has no idea how many weddings she does in a year.

“I’m busy,” Sullivan said. “Sometimes we do two in a day. I have a great group of people who work with me. I couldn’t do this all by myself.”

Sullivan has a staff of 15 employees and together they work to guarantee client satisfaction.

“I enjoy planning for weddings. I like being creative and seeing the work come to fruition,” Sullivan said. “I try to do whatever the bride wants. I will meet with [the bride] as often as it takes to get it right.”

Although Sullivan and her crew primarily work locally, they are occasionally asked to travel.

“We did a wedding on Cumberland Island, ” Sullivan recalled. “It was challenging. No cars are allowed on the island so we had to get [the flowers] there by ferry and it only operated at certain times. We love to travel because it’s something different.”

What makes Lagniappe Designs truly exceptional isn’t their willingness to travel and go the extra mile, their magnificent floral arrangements, their large supportive staff, or the fully stocked storefront studio. What pushes the business head and shoulders above the rest is their unwavering focus.

“We don’t do any retail sales. People can’t walk in off the street and get flowers,” Sullivan explained. “We only do events, big and small. I just love to create.”
Lagniappe Designs is open by appointment only. To make an appointment, call 205.870.5061.

View some of our sample arrangements.

2009 Nominee – Best Flowers on Fox6 Upick.