Excelsior Springs, Mo. (January 10, 2025) — After more than four decades of dedication to flowers and the Excelsior Springs community, Marvin and Nancy Shepherd have sold their beloved business, Excelsior Springs Floral & Gifts, to Lori Bales. Under new ownership, the floral shop has been renamed Blooms and Things, marking a fresh chapter for the local institution at 413 S. Thompson Ave.
For Marvin Shepherd, the floral business began at age 11 in his hometown of Hamilton, Missouri. Over the years, his passion blossomed into a 63-year career, with Nancy by his side for 54 of those years. The couple originally managed Brown Floral before opening their own store in 1982. Their arrangements have become a cornerstone of life events for many in the community, from weddings and anniversaries to funerals and new beginnings.
Reflecting on their legacy, Marvin said, “Everything we do is so personal. Whether it’s a new baby, a birthday, or a funeral, our customers know when they leave here that we really care about them.”
Marvin and Nancy’s retirement comes after three years of discussions with Lori Bales, a local resident with a creative spirit and a familial connection to the floral business. Lori’s husband, an over-the-road truck driver, encouraged her to pursue a passion project after her 20-year career in medical record coding. Her eldest daughter, who owns a flower shop in Iowa, had already introduced Lori to the world of floral design.
“I’ve always been interested in art and creativity,” Bales shared. “This has been such a nice change from sitting at a computer all day. I get to be on my feet, making things, and creating something special for people.”
Bales officially took over the shop on December 1. With training from Marvin and inspiration from her daughter’s unique techniques, she’s blending tradition with innovation. In addition to floral arrangements, Blooms and Things will soon offer small gifts like stuffed animals and keepsakes—a nod to expanding customer needs.
Residing near Watkins Mill, Lori is no stranger to Excelsior Springs and its surrounding communities. She and her family have lived in the area for 20 years, building strong ties with local businesses and residents. “This is such a needed service,” Bales said. “Flowers are such a significant part of life’s special moments.”
Rest assured that Excelsior Springs hasn’t seen the last of Marvin and Nancy, who said they’ll still be stopping by to lend Lori a helping hand when needed. “I will miss our customers, but I’m happy to be done paying bills,” Marvin joked with a smile.
Knowing how much Marvin and Nancy love the community and their customers means a lot to Lori, who said she’s honored to continue their work while bringing her own creative touch to the shop. And as the Shepherds enjoy their well-earned retirement, Lori is preparing for her first Valentine’s Day as a florist—a tradition she hopes will carry on the Shepherds’ legacy of care and artistry.
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