By Darlene Brace
When you drive into the Village of Lakewood, near the clock tower, you will see a shop called Pea Pod and Juniper, which is located at 141 Chautauqua Avenue. Pea Pod and Juniper is a unique floral and gift shop owned by Kim Carlson. Kim is from the Jamestown area, and she has worked in local family run businesses throughout her life.
The inspiration for opening this shop came during the Covid pandemic. Kim felt she wasn’t living her life to the fullest. When her son Alex passed away in 2016, she had realized how quickly life can change. She felt she needed to create something that filled her heart. Previously she had worked at Girton’s Flower Shop when she was in her twenties, so she knew how to create floral arrangements. She followed her heart and decided to open this shop as she felt healing would come through creating this beautiful business.
Kim opened Pea Pod and Juniper in the fall of 2020. Since then, she has created an amazing business that is much more than just a traditional florist shop. Kim said, “I wanted to create a space and a shopping experience unlike any other in the area” and that’s exactly what she did. Her shop has a relaxing vibe, and it brings joy and fulfillment to her and her customers. The shop carries a large selection of fresh flowers, and Kim can make any size and type of arrangement for any occasion. You will also find a selection of plants of various types and sizes. Her shop also includes a large variety of unique gifts and other items including things like candles, fragrances, chocolates, spices, jewelry, stuffed animals, clothing, accessories, Italian glass, books, specialty items for men, women, and children and much more. Pea Pod and Juniper is full of beauty, life, hope, and fun!!
Kim recently had another unique business opportunity proposed to her. In May of 2024, Kim’s friend Sally Baer, who had been the owner of 6 Baers Toy and Gift Shop on Chautauqua Avenue, called her. Sally asked Kim if she wanted to buy some of her unique inventory to put in her shop. Kim was interested, but she not only bought some of the inventory, by the end of the day they had an agreement that Kim would buy the 6 Baers business from Sally. As of the first week in June, Kim became the new owner of the 6 Baers Toy and Gift Shop. As the new owner, she has kept the toy and gift shop inventory intact, but she decided to call it Pea Pod and Juniper Too.
Just as Kim wanted her floral and gift shop to be like no other in the area, Pea Pod and Juniper Too is also a one-of-a-kind store. There are three rooms of old-fashioned classic toys, including big company names like Brio and Playmobil. Other items found there would be journals, candles, arts and crafts, puzzles, wildlife stuffed animals, puppets, and more. It’s very kid friendly, and it has a wide range of candy that you would have found in the little corner stores in the 60’s and 70’s that you don’t find in stores today. Some examples of the candy would be candy necklaces, Pixi Sticks, chocolate ice cubes and coins, Gold Mine Candy, and Charleston Chews. There are too many to list them all here, so you should go see it for yourself.
As a small business owner, Kim has a very busy schedule but still dedicates some of her time and money giving back to the community. She sometimes speaks to organizations and garden clubs. In June, she spoke to the Jamestown Young Professionals group and talked to them about what it’s like to start a business from scratch. She also makes fifteen to twenty donations per month to local charities, nonprofits, and benefits. At Pea Pod and Juniper, she also holds floral design classes for small groups that you can sign up for just about any time.
Pea Pod and Juniper is open every day from 9am-5pm except Sundays and makes deliveries each business day. Pea Pod and Juniper Too is open every day 9am-5pm. You can find more information on Facebook, Instagram, and at https://ppjflowerslakewood.com. When you stop in Kim’s shops, you will get personal attention to assist you in finding the perfect items. While you are there ask her to show you her favorite slime and some of her other fidget gifts that are fun for all ages. Check out Pea Pod and Juniper and Pea Pod and Juniper Too. These shops are truly amazing, fun, and inspirational.
Pea Pod and Juniper is located at 141 Chautauqua Ave, Lakewood, NY 14750. Pea Pod and Juniper Too can be found nearby at 50 Chautauqua Ave, in Lakewood.