CHILLICOTHE – They’re an aunt-niece combo with a passion for family and creativity. They’re Anni McDonald and her aunt Lori Botchie. Together they own and operate Sweet William Blossom Boutique.
“I never really gave much thought about owning a business,” Lori said, “until my niece approached me with the idea of opening a floral shop.”
“Our why was simple!” declared Anni. “We needed something different in our lives and our family has always been tightly knit. I think we honestly can’t say enough about what support like that will do for you!”
Lori Botchie was born and raised in Chillicothe and stayed local, she said, because “Chillicothe has the amenities of a city and the feel of a small town.”
She graduated from Chillicothe High School in 1982, then earned a degree in business and communications studies at Ohio University-Chillicothe. After 15 years in the workforce, she returned to OU and earned a degree in human services technology.
“I’ve always enjoyed baking and sharing what I make with family and friends,” she said. “But I didn’t really know what I wanted to do as an adult, so I focused on business and communications, which provided me immeasurable skills I’ve used throughout life.”
Anni McDonald was likewise born and raised in Chillicothe. She graduated from Chillicothe High School in 2005, then Ohio University in 2009 with a bachelor of science in organizational communications and a specialty in marketing.
“I was a curious kid,” she remembered. “I loved playing in the dirt! My parents would tell you I was a ‘determined’ little girl!”
“I wasn’t super sure what I wanted to do when I headed to college,” she added. “Then a last-ditch effort at getting a job landed me in a sweet little floral shop in Athens!”
Anni returned to Chillicothe after college and she and her aunt opened Sweet William Blossom Boutique in August of 2011. And yes, there is a William – several, in fact.
“My grandpa, who this honestly wouldn’t be possible without, is named William,” Anni explained. “My brother is named William! And sweet William is a flower that does well in dire circumstances and has a long shelf life! We loved it for encompassing all aspects.”
Not surprisingly, both Anni and Lori have their areas of expertise.
“My specialty is in preparing the edibles we carry,” Lori said. “I make the small batch caramel, cremes, and make homemade toppings for our gourmet caramel apples. Every now and then you might catch me dipping a berry or two.”
“My specialty is designing our bridal bouquets!” added Anni. “I take pride in them and have worked hard at getting our own spin on something that is so special for so many brides!”
“Sometimes I wonder what kind of crazy I’ve been to undertake this process!” Anni joked. “Mostly I find myself wondering and being excited with what we’re going to do next. We’re entering our 10th year of business, and we’ve only just begun!”
Her aunt agreed.
“I couldn’t imagine doing anything else at this point of my life,” Lori summed. “Where else do you get to play with food and make people happy all the time? This is where we were meant to be.”
Sweet William Blossom Boutique is located at 90 West 2nd Street in Chillicothe. For more information, call 740-779-9600 or log on www.swbboutique.com.
About the series
Aces of Trades is a series focusing on people and their jobs – whether they’re unusual jobs, fun jobs or people who take ordinary jobs and make them extraordinary. If you have a suggestion for a future profile, let us know at gaznews@nncogannett.com or 740-349-1110.
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Aces of Trades: Aunt and niece duo operate Sweet William Blossom Boutique - Chillicothe Gazette
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