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Date: 11/24/2021
EAST LONGMEADOW – After two years in a shop on Maple Street in East Longmeadow, Michele Martinelli of Willow Barn Designs is taking her floral and décor business on the road.
“I have such a great clientele and customer base. They’re so supportive,” Martinelli said. “The business has grown”.
Martinelli began her business in the barn on her property, but soon outgrew that space. She moved into a former residence on Maple Street at the end of 2019. There, she sells live and silk floral arrangements and home décor while providing decorating services for weddings, funerals, baby showers and other special events.
Now, Martinelli is bringing her services to customers with “The Little Flower Truck by Willow Barn Designs.”
The mini-truck, which she bought from Japan, has a canopy over its flatbed, in which she brings flowers and other products to home design parties.
“Everyone’s got a little artistic touch in them,” Martinelli told Reminder Publishing. She said people can book parties where friends can learn how to design floral arrangements. “It’s fun,” she said. She offers packages at different price points so clients can choose how much the experience will cost.
For people still not comfortable around others, Martinelli said, Williow Barn Designs offers private appointments at the shop. She said it benefits those who are immune-compromised, with which Martinelli said she has experience. That kind of attention to detail and preferences is one of the things that Martinelli believes has made the business successful.
“I love talking to my customers. I get to know each and every one of my customers,” Martinelli said. Beyond customers, Martinelli also cares about the other small businesses in town.
Willow Barn Designs recently hosted a local business pop-up. Half a dozen businesses, from Brew Practitioners to The Happy Face Painter to Rescute, a dog collar accessories business that donates profits to rescues, participated. “I’m proud of the community,” Martinelli said. “If I can support them, I will.”
Willow Barn Designs is located at 81 Maple St. and can be reached at 301-2929 and at https://www.willowbarndesigns.net. Willow Barn Designs can also be found on Facebook and Instagram.