Shoreview Shops Local: How Two Sisters Continued the Legacy of a Local Flower Shop

Residents of Shoreview, Minnesota know the importance of long-lasting small business success. Small businesses are integral to sustaining a thriving local economy and give residents something to count on in a fast-changing world. But what happens when a well-established business owner is ready to sell?

In the case of Hummingbird Floral & Gifts, selling the business didn’t mean the end of the treasured shop. Two local sisters, Melissa and Jessica Thompson, bought Hummingbird in 2023 and have allowed the Hummingbird legacy to live on. To honor the original owner, they’ve kept the name and expanded on the work the previous owner accomplished in the community. Here’s how the sisters pulled it off.

Hummingbird Floral & Gifts: Changing Hands, Keeping Tradition

The Thompsons grew up a few blocks away from Hummingbird when it was run by Lugene Olson, the original owner. Throughout high school and college, Melissa dabbled in floral work and discovered it was a passion of hers, although she jointly pursued a career in social work. Jessica, who has owned her insurance agency for over a decade, is well-versed in how to start a business. After watching Lugene’s legacy unfold firsthand, the sisters knew they wanted to continue what she had started. Although they had worked together in the past, this was their first joint business venture, and they were taking on something completely new. When they learned that Hummingbird was for sale in December 2023, they took the leap to purchase it.

When Lugene owned Hummingbird, one of her main priorities was to give back to the Shoreview community as much as possible. When asked if they had plans to continue serving Shoreview as Lugene did, the sisters gave a resounding “Yes!”

“We’re trying to build off Lugene’s legacy. She had such great representation in the floral industry and we definitely want to grow what she’s already established,” said Melissa. “Lugene did a lot of work with the Children’s Hospital and funeral homes, which we plan on doing, too.”

When asked which projects they hoped to continue, Jessica offered her insights. “Lugene had a long history of attending the Tony Dungy awards - it’s a fundraising event,” she said. “We’ll be donating flowers and centerpieces for the event just like Lugene did. There are always ways for us to give back to the community.”

The Thompson sisters will also be showcasing Hummingbird at the Taste of Shoreview event and Slice of Shoreview festival this year.

How the City of Shoreview Supports Local Businesses

Local businesses are at the heart of economic development, and the City of Shoreview works to keep these businesses thriving. The City connects business owners with several financial and tax incentives to make doing business easier. These include business loans, grants, apprenticeships, and more. BRE programs are in place to ensure that local businesses have everything they need for sustainable success. Conveniently close to both Minneapolis and St. Paul, many entrepreneurs choose Shoreview for the city access without the city prices. To learn more about doing business in Shoreview, contact us today.