By Kate Bartlett
Located in the heart of Lakewood, Pea Pod & Juniper is a premier, owner-operated florist and unique gift shop. Owner Kim Carlson specializes in custom floral arrangements and fine gifts, and recently expanded with a Christmas shop as well as a second location “Pea Pod & Juniper Too”, a toy and candy shop. Kim was inspired to open the shop during the pandemic. “I had worked in a flower shop many years ago,” explained Kim. “During the pandemic, I realized I wanted to live my best life and reassessed what that meant to me. I longed for an artistic outlet and missed being in a flower shop. I missed the smell, working with people, and being creative. I took a leap and decided to open my own shop.”
Pea Pod & Juniper opened at 141 Chautauqua Ave in 2021, by the clock tower, selling creative flower bouquets alongside gifts and a selection of candy. “I collaborated with a couple of friends who were into design and antiques. They sold their items in the shop on consignment.” Kim appreciated being surrounded by things she loved, and began to make that her mantra when selecting items for the shop. “I started to buy items for the shop simply based on the things I loved.” The selection grew and the shop was well received in the community.
Kim credits the name to her good friend Claire. “She encouraged me to open the shop and came up with the name, Pea Pod & Juniper, after my grandchildren Penelope and Juniper.” Five years later, the shop has grown into much more than Kim had ever imagined. “I let it grow naturally,” explains Kim. “I listened to the customers. If they asked for something, I tried to create or get it in the shop.”
While Kim’s focus is on the flowers, she wanted to create something for everyone. In 2024, she opened Pea Pod & Juniper Too at 50 Chautauqua Ave offering nostalgic toys and candies (This location only is temporarily closed, reopening in April). She also added a Christmas shop attached to Pea Pod & Juniper that is open year-round stocking a wide of variety of holiday items.
Kim describes the gift shop as a museum of gifts. “I really have something for everyone. We stock a wide variety of fun and unique gifts including fragrances, green plants, jewelry, candies and more.
Kim takes pride in her floral arrangements and enjoys the creative outlet. “My designs are not cookie cutter. I aim to create personalized, inspired arrangements that are unique to the recipient. I try to find out favorite colors and flowers and incorporate them into my design. It’s an honor to be included in special occasions and rewarding to create something that brings comfort and joy.”
Growing up in the Lakewood area, Kim has watched the community of Lakewood grow and change over the years. “Lakewood has always been a great place to live, but it’s become an incredible place for shopping over the years. We have a wide variety of shops on Chautauqua Avenue within a 3-block radius that there’s something for everyone.”
Over recent years, Kim has seen an increase in foot traffic through the efforts of the Lakewood Community Development Center (LCDC). “The LCDC has done a wonderful job of promoting our community. The annual seasonal events have attracted many visitors to Lakewood, and we’re looking forward to helping the community continue to grow.”
Kim encourages everyone to discover Lakewood. “It really is a hidden gem, and it keeps getting better.” She is thankful to the community for their support in helping her shop(s) grow. “I love doing business here in Lakewood, the community and the customers are simply the best.”
For more information, visit PPJFlowersLakewood.com, follow on social media, call (716) 526-1081 and stop into Pea Pod and Juniper at 141 Chautauqua Ave, and Pea Pod and Juniper Too at 50 Chautauqua Ave in Lakewood.