Downingtown High grad lives dream of opening hometown shop
By Lauren Parker- Gill, News Editor, The Times
Flowers by Jena Paige is Downingtown’s newest business on Lancaster Avenue and features floral arrangements, floral designs for weddings and events and an elegant gift shop. Photo credit: Flowers by Jena Paige
DOWNINGTOWN – New business, Flowers by Jena Paige, is taking the borough by storm with its inviting window displays, gorgeous gift shop and floral designs.
Jena Paige Kendra has lived in Downingtown most of her life and graduated from Downingtown West High School in 2007. At the age of 16, she began working for a florist where she discovered her natural talent for floral design. That was when her dream to open a flower shop in Downingtown was born.
“Sometimes I have to pinch myself when I come into open in the mornings.” Kendra said of opening her store.
Kendra says she sees floral arrangements through a designer’s eye; it is that design aspect that won first place in the Philadelphia Flower Show this year, in the “Head Quadrants Tourist Trap” category, with her American Samoan inspired headpiece. It was Kendra’s first time entering.
Kendra credits her eye for design to her mother, Theresa Barlow- Conahan, who previously owned Chesco Paint and Design in Downingtown, and now owns interior design business called A Perfect View in Glenmoore.
“I always wanted to be just like my mom,” said Kendra.
The new flower and gift shop also features a beautiful flower bar, for customers to design their own wrapped bunches.
The stunning gift shop in the front end of the store features a flower bar for customers to choose their own wrapped bunches, as well as items from Kate Spade NY, 2 Chic, Uttermost and Thymes Candles. In addition, Kendra supports local businesses by carrying products from Craft Me That, Touch of Craft, Champsy Creative, Designs by Dee, The Lettered Violet, Pottery by Corey Johnson, Jewelry by Diane Hoffman and Beth’s Custom Creations.
Services include elegant floral arrangements with delivery options, floral designs for events and weddings, and the store features a meticulously designed bridal consultation suite.
Flowers by Jena Paige had its grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremony last week, with The Downingtown Main Street Association and Mayor of Downingtown, Josh Maxwell. The shop is now officially open Monday through Friday from 9-5 and Saturdays from 9-3. Kendra also intends to feature events, such as Ladies’ Nights. The first will take place June 3 and will be a terrarium class. More information will be available on the Flowers by Jena Paige Facebook page.
