EDITOR'S NOTE: The Manning Times will be posting stories from its first Progress Edition throughout the next several days.
Susie Gibson worked for many years with other florists before opening Gibson Floral Cart in 1991. These days, she operates the business with her son, Derek, who does balloon art, designs and arrangements at the business.
“I felt I was experienced enough in flowers to go and start my own business in 1991,” Susie Gibson said. “For many years I worked with a florist. It helped me gain a lot of knowledge about the floral industry.”
Gibson Floral Cart was not Gibson’s first business. After graduating in 1968 from Manning Training School, she started her own seamstress business.
“I also worked at Clarendon Memorial Hospital as a CNA (certified nurse’s assistant),” Gibson said.
She prefers her flower arrangements, however.
“It’s great being your own boss and making your own rules,” she said. “I enjoy those perks of having my own business.”
She said the hardest part of having her own business is “trying to please everyone 100 percent of the time.”
“We strive to do our very best with each and every customer,” Gibson said. “I’ve learned that even if you give every customer. I’ve learned that even if you give your very best, you still run a risk of someone not being pleased. It’s just a part of business.”
She said “random contests or drawings” make her flower business fun.
“Sometimes we do random contests or drawings for free prizes,” she said. “We call the winner, and their reactions are always fun to hear. Making people smile never gives you a bad feeling.”
But Gibson doesn’t expect to be at the flower business much longer.
“In five years, I see myself happily retired and allowing my children to maintain the business for themselves,” she said.
Even in retirement, she plans to stay in Clarendon County.
“The things I love most about Clarendon County and Manning are the people and the sense of community,” Gibson said. “Everyone seems to be a part of a collective family.”
She would like to see the county get “more recreation and jobs.”
Otherwise, she invites people to come try out her 23-year-old business. “We are a full-service florist,” she said. “Many florists only offer certain services, but we offer everything. We have flowers for all occasions, Teleflora wiring service, balloons and gifts, balloon decorating, wedding equipment rentals and we provide these services at wedding events, including set-up, delivery and pick-up.”
