Cindy Willis and her business Seacoast Florist have been pillars of the business community in Hampton for the past 25 years, celebrating an anniversary in May. Seacoast Florist opened on Route One in Hampton on May 5, 1981, and moved to the present 10 Depot Square location 12 years ago. Cindy achieved a personal goal of owning her own florist shop by age 30, having begun working in a florist shop at age 16 and learning the business from the basics on up.

According to her, the florist business has changed dramatically with the advent of the Internet. Customers are more educated about flowers and have more definite tastes. Availability of flowers and gift items on the web has also impacted the business, causing changes in how local florists do business. The American Flower Council and mass marketers such as grocery stores have increased awareness of flowers and made them more of a year round item, rather than just for the big holidays of the past. Cindy says that 60% of her business is done on the phone, but that many of her local customers still stop in to the shop.

Seacoast Florist has been a Hampton Chamber member for 25 years. Cindy has always been deeply involved in Chamber activities, including serving as Chairman of the Board of Directors in 1988. She credits the growth of her business in large part to her association with the Chamber. It was a wonderful walk through Chamber history when Cindy displayed her scrapbook of clippings from the many, many events and fundraisers that she organized and took part in over the years. Page after page of the book show groups of smiling Chamber members and Board members at ribbon cuttings, awards events, golf tournaments, and fundraisers. Cindy Willis is at the center of most of them, a testimony to her involvement and dedication. She was the Christmas Parade Chairperson and co-chair of the auction initiated to fund the parade.

Cindy has definite ideas about business in downtown Hampton. Over the years, she has joined in many efforts to beautify the town and promote downtown commerce, and has demonstrated faith in the community by remaining a part of the town center. She is encouraged by the recent openings of shops and restaurants within Hampton.

The Chamber celebrates with Cindy Willis and congratulates her for 25 years of successful business in our community. Please stop by or call Cindy at Seacoast Florist and honor the achievement of a true champion of Hampton business. Well done!