Improving the Local Economy One Business at a Time

Artistic Florals

By Leslie

Owning her own floral business is a dream come true for Leslie Hietala of Superior. She has owned Artistic Florals By Leslie since October 2016 but has been doing floral design for decades.

“When I started in the business in the ’70s,” she said, “I just really loved the design, loved crafting art. I liked working with the public.”

Leslie Hietala

Her store was a dream a long time coming in part because as with many families, “life happens.” Hietala has experienced many challenges: a premature birth, a husband with a brain tumor, a mother with Alzheimer’s — her own misdiagnosis of breast cancer. One thing after another, her plans had to shift and move back.

“It took a long time,” she said. Her current husband of 23 years has been a main source of support. “If you don’t do this now,” Hietala recalled him saying, “I think you’ll regret it.”

Now living the dream, Hietala has a strong family history to be a small business owner.

“I learned good work ethics,” she said, “what it’s like to have a satisfied customer. It was always done with such love in their heart and caring.”

“By the grace of God” is a phrase Hietala uses a lot, a testament to her strong faith and guiding principles. “Things happen when they’re supposed to,” she said. “I put things in God’s hands, and when it’s supposed to happen, it will.”

Working with brides is one of her favorite parts of her work. She also has enjoyed teaching community education classes.

She feels a strong connection to her customers and community. People have asked her sometimes if she’d like to relocate to Duluth, but the answer is always no.

“I want to have a Superior business,” she said. “I like the community.” D

Phone: (715) 718-5688

Address: 1705 Tower Avenue Suite 100

Website: superiorartisticflorals.com

CHUM volunteer lunch

CHUM, a nonprofit supported by several Duluth congregations, provides shelter, food, dignity and hope for the homeless. The nonprofit held an appreciation luncheon for volunteers at Our Saviors Lutheran Church on April 23. Volunteers donated 14,200 hours. “That’s the equivalent of 7 full-time positions,” said Lee Stuart executive director of CHUM.

Twin Ports Mustang & Ford Club —

The Twin Ports Mustang & Ford Club was started in 1998 to exchange information and promote camaraderie. On April 21, members of the club cruised to Hayward, then gathered at the wayside rest outside of Superior on U.S. Highway 2. Member Joan Steltz said a young man once approached her and said, “Aren’t you a little old to be driving a car like this?” “Sonny,” she replied, “You need to be a little bit older to afford a car like this.”

Paws of Love

The Humane Society of Douglas County held its Paws for Love fundraiser at the University of Wisconsin-Superior on April 21, raising more than $26,000. “This is our biggest event of the year,” Executive Director Sheila Keup said about the evening of fine dining, music and auctions. “It’s a great night to visit friends.