By Jolene Farley
Working out of her home, Jamie Tofteland began her flower business, Prairie Smoke Floral, in June.
Jamie and her husband, David, purchased an acreage south of Beaver Creek. "We both pretty much grew up in the area, and we moved back this past February," said Tofteland.
Tofteland creates fresh, dried, or silk designs for any occasion. Prairie Smoke Floral did its first floral design for a wedding last summer.
Tofteland earned a horticulture degree and while taking a floral culture course, she enjoyed the subject so much she decided to specialize in that area.
"I like working with customers, and I love working with flowers, fresh, silk and dried," she said. "I like decorating; that kind of ties in."
Tofteland has been in the floral industry for four years. After graduation, she worked at Gustaf's Greenery, Sioux Falls, S.D., and later managed a small floral shop called "The Brick House" in Salem, S.D.
Tofteland creates designs for weddings, birthdays, holidays or any occasion.
She takes orders by phone at 673-2487. If she's not home, messages are returned promptly.
"I give free estimates and consultations," she said. "I will be more than happy to help them (customers) out."
Prairie Winds Floral will offer a pre-book Valentine's Day promotion for orders placed up to a week before Feb. 14.
"I don't keep them (fresh flowers) on hand, but if someone does need them I am willing to get what they want or need, no matter if it's one or a dozen," she said.
Tofteland offers a variety of floral designs. The traditional look and the Martha Stewart look are always popular, she said.
Most brides prefer fresh over silk arrangements, she said. "They (brides) will ask about silk, but in the long run, they will stay with the fresh," she said.
Some brides want their mothers to carry a bouquet similar to what bridesmaids hold. She said a recent trend in wedding bouquets is small metal vases from the Victorian era called the "tusk muss."
"They are a nice little keepsake," she said.
Tofteland has no preference in the kind of flowers she works with, but admits roses will last longer than tulips. If a wedding bouquet is made with tulips, it needs to be placed in water whenever it is not carried.
Florists have developed a freeze drying method of preserving fresh floral bouquets forever, according to Tofteland. She will refer anyone interested in the procedure to the Sioux Falls company that can help.
Prairie Smoke also rents silk arrangements. If Tofteland doesn't have a specific color on hand she will order it. Renting is an easy way to work down the cost of a wedding or event, and she said she is willing to work with any budget specified to design the perfect event.
The Toftelands have a son, Brayden, 8 months.