We had the good fortune of connecting with Michelle M. Robinson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Michelle M., career-wise, where do you want to be in the end?
After working in corporate America for 29 years and having my career abruptly end from a company restructuring, I was forced to make a drastic change. And it came at the perfect time.

I was tired of the hustle and bustle, long commute, constant meetings and deadline pressures. My life was changing with aging parents and becoming a Mimi of two, precious granddaughters.

The second chapter of my career started with a goal of flexibility and using my extensive marketing background to build a business.

Six years ago, I opened Pumpkinvine Gardens Flower Shoppe, a seasonal flower market nestled within our Acworth, Georgia community. From working in healthcare to playing in the dirt for a living is a completely different world, and I’ve never been happier!

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Pumpkinvine Gardens Flower Shoppe started with a sketch, 2o ft. storage container and a dream! After 29 years as a healthcare marketing & pr executive, I took a big leap and opened my own business in April 2019.

My inspiration started while visiting roadside flower markets while on vacation in Long Island. I even bought a metal sign from one of my favorite flower markets that says “Smile,” with my plan to hang it proudly in my own business.

By combining my love of gardening and marketing, I created a business that was unique in our community. And it’s become a gardening destination each spring (April – July) and fall (October – November) season.

With the tremendous help from my family and friends, we literally built a flower market nestled in our Acworth, Georgia neighborhood. It took a month to build a structure off of the storage container and many long days of painting and staining.

I was fortunate to have several gardening mentors that provided business advice and vendor recommendations. They shared the keys to their success and the pros/cons to owning a flower market.

I no longer manage 50+ team members as I did in my corporate days, so I had to learn every facet of a business. Developing solid working relationships with vendors is definitely one of the most important factors.

Six years later, Pumpkinvine Gardens Flower Shoppe continues to grow thanks to the overwhelming support of our community. In addition to an array of flowers, hanging baskets and houseplants, we carry whimsical metal yard art and locally made garden decor. I love supporting our local artists and offering their unique items.

And in October – November. we turn our flower market into a fall paradise filled with pumpkins and holiday gifts.

We want each customer to enter a garden oasis and have a happy shopping experience!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
We live 45 minutes northwest of Atlanta in Acworth, so we have many fun places close to home! Lake Allatoona is near us, and we love to take friends on our boat and eat at restaurants on the lake.

Ozark, one of my favorite series, was filmed on Lake Allatoona and has become a popular spot. And rafting down the Etowah River is always an adventure.

There are many charming cities close by such as Cartersville and Chattanooga. Local shopping in the square, dining at small restaurants and visiting local wineries would be on the list!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My Mom is my inspiration. She had a very successful healthcare career while raising a family. She showed me that you can have the best of both worlds! At 81-years-old, my Mom helps me at Pumpkinvine Gardens Flower Shoppe, which is a dream come true. I have her green thumb and love of gardening.

Website: https://Pumpkinvinegardens.com

Instagram: pumpkinvinegardensflowershoppe

Facebook: Pumpkinvine Gardens Flower Shoppe

Other: TikTok: Pumpkinvine Gardens

Image Credits
Not applicable

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