In wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, many local businesses have utilized technology to shift the way they deliver their services.

One such business is Colour Pop Florals.

“I grow specially-cut dahlias,” Owner Shelley Chappus states. “Most people are familiar with the vegetables that are produced here, but so many people have no idea that we grow flowers here year-round. That’s how Colour Pop started, because I was looking for a way to bridge the gap between this amazing product and the people who can really appreciate it.”

Colour Pop Florals offer a variety of services, including vase arrangements, houseplants and more.

However, the coronavirus pandemic forced Shelley to reevaluate how to best service her clients.

“COVID really changed the way that flowers are grown across the industry,” Shelley explains. “Most commercially-grown flowers are sold to the wedding industry. With all of the cancellations that have been happening, there’s all these products that were just going to be thrown out. So, I sought out new avenues and markets, which led to a weekly subscription service.”

With the Colour Pop Dahlia Subscription, you can experience the magic and joy of dahlia season for three weeks. Numerous colours are available, including pink, orange, peach, burgundy, yellow and purple.

The dahlias are locally grown in Lasalle. The subscription includes free delivery for Windsor, LaSalle, Amherstburg, Tecumseh, Lakeshore and Belle River.

In addition, Shelley has also begun using other forms of technology to stay in touch with her customers, including a social media page and an email newsletter.

“It’s given me a great way to stay in touch with my clients in the wake of this pandemic,” Shelley states. “It’s allowed me to keep everyone up to date with the changes that are going on.”

And thus far, the community has celebrated Shelley’s innovative new approach.

“Everyone has been really open and really receptive to these changes,” Shelley states. “And it’s ultimately allowed me to connect with more people.”

One such admirer of Shelley’s new approach is WEtech President and CEO Yvonne Pillon.

“Colour Pop Floral is a great example of an entrepreneur who is doing things right online,” Yvonne states. “The company’s Instagram content is fresh, colourful and engaging and their newsletter (sign-up here) is informative and enticing. Like many businesses impacted by COVID-19, Shelley has used digital tools such as social media to pivot, keep customers engaged and create new business models to met the changing needs of customers.”

And while the future remains uncertain, Colour Pop Florals will continue to provide a space where colour and joy collide.

“Colour Pop will continue to educate and advocate for locally-grown blooms,” Shelley states.

PS. Pick your own Dahlias are coming soon! Sign up for the Colour Pop Newsletter for all the details.