By MIKE COURSON
Great Bend Post
Last fall, Great Bend Economic Development released an article about the NXTSTAGE Enterprise Engagement Series designed to educate and connect early-stage companies in Kansas. Amy Habiger, operations manager at Yours Truly Gift and Flower Shoppe in Great Bend and Lyons, applied for the program and was selected by NetWork Kansas to participate. She's now using one-on-one coaching and networking opportunities to expand the floral store.
"They're helping me work through these new ideas I've had," Habiger said. "What will work, what won't work, then how to execute those plans so we can bring in a new floral and gift retail experience that is a little less traditional than what we offer now."
NXTUS, Inc., or "next us," got its start in Wichita in 2014, formally rebranding itself as NXTUS in 2020. One of the goals of the group is assist young companies break through barriers to generate revenue and collaborate with larger enterprises. Now in the program, Habiger has access to in-person workshops and one-on-one coaching. That third-party perspective gives Habiger ideas on how to build the business.
"We have been in business for 10 years, offering a unique, modern, fresh floral experience with two central Kansas locations," she said. "We now serve traditional floral needs, and beyond that, work with customers to assemble ingredients for their own designs for thoughtful gifting."
With locations in Great Bend and Lyons, Yours Truly offers a variety of fresh, faux and dried flowers, plants and gifts for everyday celebrations and special events like weddings, funerals, banquets and more, offering delivery in the central Kansas region.
Visit Yours Truly at 2017 Lakin Ave in Great Bend, or at 124 E Ave South in Lyons. Find the store online by CLICKING HERE.