Flowers and Vacuum Cleaners - A Unique Combination

Local florist wins Downtown Greening Award four years in a row

Lynne Tischler and Randall Prochowitz operate two separate and unique businesses - Your Enchanted Florist and Vac That Thing Up, located at Dale and Nebraska. (Photo by Mary Thoemke)

By MARY THOEMKE

For the fourth year in a row Lynne Tischler’s Your Enchanted Florist has received a Downtown Greening Award from the Minneapolis Downtown Improvement District.

In partnership with The Local (931 Nicollet Mall), Tischler was presented an Encore Award for “exemplary contribution to the environment of downtown consistently, year after year.”

Although she was honored for her work in Minneapolis, Tischler and her husband, Randall Prochowitz are firmly rooted in St. Paul. After running her business out of the basement of their home, Tischler moved her florist shop to 1500 N. Dale St., at Nebraska. In 2010, she and Prochowitz purchased the former Ace Vacuum Cleaner business, along with the building. Today they operate Your Enchanted Florist and Vac That Thing Up in an unlikely combination of flowers and vacuums.

Passersby notice the floral displays, the artistic creations, rose petals on the sidewalk, the neon-sprayed vacuum cleaners, and hearts sprayed in the snow.

Tischler, a native of West St. Paul, graduated from floral school in Oregon before she began her work as a florist. She emphasizes that all of her floral creations are unique and made to order for each customer. She and her designers offer a wide array of services including faux finishing, murals, staging, interior and exterior seasonal decorating, seasonal planting and onsite plant care. They also offer one-of-a-kind designs for weddings, funerals, proms, and everyday occasions. They will provide a free initial consultation for any event. Tischler says she has enjoyed the pleasure of doing events throughout the United States.

Customers are invited to stay for a cup of tea or coffee and a cookie while they watch their flowers being arranged. They can bring in their own vase to make their floral arrangement even more meaningful. Your Enchanted Florist also invites people to bring in their vases to be recycled.

In addition to the flowers and plants, Your Enchanted Florist features the work of over 25 local artists whose art ranges from jewelry and plant stands, handmade cards and bags, and manifestation crystals. Over half of the artists live within walking distance of the store.

Every Friday is a special day which is called “Almost Free Friday.” An item is selected that is offered at ½ off the regular price on Friday only, and the selection is changed every week. The selection is posted Friday morning on their Facebook page.

In addition to her recent award, Tischler has been recognized as professional florist of the year by Koehler and Dramm. She has placed in the Minnesota State Florists “Designer of the Year” Award and has received several nominations and awards from Blooming Saint Paul. Your Enchanted Florist has been featured in The Knot NY, Midwest Home, Bride’s Magazine, Lavender, and Minneapolis/St. Paul magazine.

Prochowitz grew up in Winona, and for the past 27 years has worked at his day job as facilities manager for a condo association. During the day Ryan Clements manages Vac That Thing Up. The store both sells and services vacuums and supplies. Clements says none of the vacuums they sell are bagless because they are very high maintenance for the customer and don’t work as well. Prochowitz says, with pride, that he features Made in USA Maytag and Simplicity vacuums.

In addition to selling vacuum cleaners, Prochowitz and Tischler have a collection of vintage vacuum cleaners on display at the store, including a 1928 Hoover with a wooden handle. Prochowitz designs artistic creations, also on display, that he makes from recycled vacuum parts.

Devoted to promoting a sense of community, both Tischler and Prochowitz say they are grateful to the neighborhood for the support they have received. “It is phenomenal,” says Tischler.

Hours for both businesses are Mon.-Fri., 9am-7pm; and Sat. and Sun., 10am- 5pm. Extended holiday hours are posted at the stores.