Newark Celebrates Opening of Black Woman-Owned Floral Shop

A vibrant new floral shop, Madonna’s Garden, opened its doors on September 15 in downtown Newark, marking a significant milestone for the local community. Located on Raymond Boulevard, the shop occupies the former site of a barbershop, just a stone’s throw from Rutgers University-Newark. This venture is the realization of a lifelong dream for local florist Sheaun Barnes, who is dedicated to bringing floral artistry to her neighborhood.

The grand opening celebration was an intimate affair, attended by close friends and family. Guests enjoyed food, champagne, and delightful gift bags, which included a small plant for each attendee. The atmosphere was lively, featuring a performance by Chaancé Barnes, Sheaun’s daughter and a professional singer, who entertained the crowd with R&B music. The event culminated with Sheaun and her brother, Stoney Barnes, cutting the ceremonial red ribbon to officially mark the shop’s opening.

A Dream Realized After 35 Years

“This day is more than a grand opening; it is the unveiling of a dream, 35 years in the making,” said Shennel Barnes, Sheaun’s niece, during the ceremony. The shop not only represents Sheaun’s hard work and dedication but also honors her late mother, Sarah Jane “Madonna” Barnes, who passed away in January at the age of 78. The shop features an array of flowers, including button daisies and hybrid lilies, alongside jewelry, candles, and unique merchandise that reflects a personal touch.

Sheaun, who has spent over 30 years in event planning, aims to expand the shop’s offerings by providing event planning services for weddings, funerals, and various celebrations. “I just like to be in the background, creating the vision,” she remarked, emphasizing her desire to make special occasions memorable for her clients.

Community Support and Aspirations

With a deep-rooted connection to the South Ward, Sheaun wants to become a familiar name in the community. “I want to be like a familiar face, a household name,” she stated, envisioning a future where locals turn to her for their floral needs. Her commitment to the community is evident in her choice of location, allowing her to reconnect with previous clients while attracting new ones.

The support from family has been crucial to the establishment of Madonna’s Garden. Stoney played an essential role in the shop’s development, coordinating construction efforts and assisting with deliveries using his truck. “I’m very proud of her,” he expressed, highlighting the collaborative nature of their efforts. The sentiment is echoed by neighboring shop owner Willie J. Williams, who has operated Engraver’s Bench & Greek Unique for 25 years. He expressed excitement about having a new business next door, particularly one that is Black-owned. “She looks like a winner,” he remarked, indicating optimism for the shop’s future.

As Madonna’s Garden prepares to bloom in Newark, it stands not only as a floral shop but also as a testament to resilience and community spirit. With Sheaun’s passion for floral design and event planning, the shop is poised to become a cherished establishment in the area, serving both the local population and visitors alike.