A business blossoms in Wartrace

Marcella Pugh displays one of the beautiful flower arrangements available at Gran Cella's Flowers and Gifts in Wartrace.
(T-G Photo by Taylor Grissom)

[Click to enlarge]

Everyone knows that flowers are a great way to say "I love you," but little do people realize that when they send flowers to their loved ones they are really sending two presents: one, the flowers themselves and two, the surprise of receiving such a beautiful thing.

Whether they are sent incognito or with a name in large, bold capital letters, you can be sure that the person on the receiving end will appreciate the thoughtfulness just as much, if not more, as the beautiful bouquet itself.

Gran Cella's Flowers and Gifts, located in the heart of Wartrace, is a little gift shop and flower headquarters of must see beautiful things.

Marcella Pugh, originally from Crossville, moved to Wartrace in January 1999. Before opening Gran Cella's, Pugh co-owned Tri-Star Plumbing with her husband, Michael Pugh. This entrepreneur decided to open her shop in 2006, the day before the busiest day of the flower season: Valentine's Day.

"I just fell in love with this little shop," stated Pugh.

Marcella's flower arranging team gives silence to the stereotypes that mothers and daughter-in-laws cannot get along. Marcella works alongside her two sons' wives, Christy Pugh and Casey Pugh.

"Being able to work with my daughters-in-laws is the best part of each day," said Pugh, "I also love getting out and seeing different people."

Pugh has always had a passion for arranging bouquets, one daughter-in-law admitted.

"Marcella has arranged flowers forever and when this store came open it was the perfect opportunity for her," recalled Casey.

Gran Cella's stays busy with weddings, funerals, and other occasions. They even have tanning beds, home décor, and gifts for all occasions.

"Customers always get a smiling face when they come in," said Christy, "We are always friendly and love to meet new people."

Customers can also expect Gran Cella's to literally go the extra mile.

"If we do not have a specific flower, we will go get it," stated Casey, "It will not take us four days to go and find a specific type of flower."

The name "Gran Cella's" came from one of Marcella's most prized possessions, her grandchildren. Fourteen year-old granddaughter Kirsten always called Marcella "Granny Cella," and the name has stuck.

"Before the opportunity of opening this shop arrived, Marcella always said one day she would have a flower arrangement store and name it Gran Cella's," recalled Christy.

This lovely shop opens their doors on Mondays - Fridays from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. and on Saturdays from 9 a.m.-noon; however, Marcella and her daughter-in-laws do not mind working extra hours if it better suits their customers' needs. Gran Cella's is also a Bloom Net florist.

"This is definitely not a 9 to 5 job," said Marcella, "We work a lot of after hours and Sundays as well."

The flower shop is expanding their services to their next door neighbor. Joe Peters, the new Walking Horse Hotel owner, will be using Gran Cella's as their gift shop since it is conveniently located next door. They will also do all wedding decorations for weddings and receptions held at the hotel.

With everything from balloons to flowers to a great tan, Gran Cella's offers it all.

Marcella said, "I'm looking forward to being here a long time for when people need me."

For orders, customers can call 389-0043.