Hollowick retired on Saturday from her position as store owner of B/A Florist after decades of serving the East Lansing community’s floral needs.

An MSU alumna, Hollowick started B/A Florist as a small store in Okemos in 1979. That store then graduated to a slightly larger, yet still tiny store, Hollowick said. Then in 1984, she found her perfect corner. This location, 1424 E. Grand River Ave, has been home to the flower shop for the past 28 years.

Hollowick said despite the fact there was a better economy when she began her business, her corner on Grand River Avenue and Hagadorn Road has always been busy.

“It’s been nice to be a part of other peoples’ lives and take part in various events that have been important to other people,” Hollowick said. “Even just watching the fellas come in and buy a single rose and knowing they were having an important date.”

Hollowick said she believes flowers are nature’s most beautiful sign of growth.

“They’re wonderful,” Hollowick said. “They send emotions. The flower itself is pretty, but what they say is the most important part. They say different things for different people, but it’s a powerful message.”

After Hollowick’s retirement, her daughter, Laurie Van Ark, who has been the store manager, will take on the ownership of the shop.

Van Ark, also an MSU alumna, has worked at the flower store since it opened when she was in high school. She said through the years a “feel-good” environment has been built up by customer interaction.

“It’s amazing the good things that we get to share vicariously through all these people,” Van Ark said. “So many (people) come in and tell their stories. This is a place people come to feel good.”

Van Ark never expected to see Hollowick retire from B/A Florist — which derives its name from Barbara Ann, Hollowick’s full name.

“I honestly never thought I would live to see it,” Van Ark said. “My mother is not one to sit still. She’s an amazing woman who tends to downplay her achievements.”

Betty Cheng, an MSU professor, has been an off-and-on customer of B/A Florist for the past 20 years. The flower shop has been her go-to business for anniversaries and other special occasions.

“This whole business has been sort of a landmark for the East Lansing (and) MSU community,” Cheng said. “I’m hoping that she’s (only) in retirement in name and she’ll still be around to oversee things.”

B/A Florist will be temporarily closed for July and will re-open at the beginning of August, just in time for the return of students.

As for Hollowick she plans on spending more time on her crafts, such as quilting and painting. Hollowick said she will miss the store but plans on coming back frequently.

“I’ve earned it,” Hollowick said. “I’ve earned time to go play.”