It’s been a year since Jackie Callison opened up Jackie’s Gifts and Flowers in Superior and she said that she can’t believe how quickly time has gone by.

“I can’t believe it’s been a year,” Callison said. “It’s just been flying. I think when we were first coming in here, we were gearing up for Valentine’s Day and here we go again.”

Callison put the coolers to use that were just sitting out in her husband’s garage when she decided to set up shop in Superior. Even before she opened her doors officially, people were coming in and buying stuff. Callison said that after a year in business the response from the public has been amazing.

“It’s been really good,” she said. “I’ve had a lot of people in and I’ve just been having fun.”

With her business just getting into the phonebook this year, Callison said most of her customers found her via word of mouth.

“And it worked well,” she said. “People will find me.”

Callison said that one of the most exciting things has been meeting and getting to know the people in Superior.

“It’s been great getting to know everyone here,” she said. “I have thoroughly enjoyed doing what I’m doing.”

For Callison, flowers are just part of who she is. Last year, when she first opened, Callison said that she has always loved working with flowers and designing her own arrangements with them.

“This is my niche. I love flowers. I like to design my own arrangements. That’s one of my biggest things. When you have a place like Teleflora, sometimes you have to order exactly what they show, which is totally fine, but I like to have somebody tell me what they want, what colors they want and I just go for it,” she said.

Callison added this year that she’s been able to put her “artistry to work.”

Delivering flowers, gifts and balloons has also been a unique part of the business. Callison said that while she hires some help for the holidays, most of the time she gets out and delivers items herself.

“And that’s been rewarding in itself,” she said. “I love to see people’s faces when they get the flowers. It’s pretty cool. It makes them happy.”

Callison said that she has been happy with the space at 30 Mullan Road West in Superior and has no plans to expand. She said that business varies from day to day. When she first opened, she had Saturday hours, but has done away with them as it was “hit and miss.” Now, she’s open Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Callison said that she believes that the economy has probably played a role in business, but as this was her first year open, she’s had nothing to compare it to.

“The economy had affected everyone and people are trying to cut corners and save money,” she said. “At times, it’s just slower and you don’t know.”

Callison said that there weren’t many challenges, although dividing her time between the Superior shop and her place in Alberton has been slightly challenging as has the travel.  But all in all though, Callison said it’s been a great year and is looking forward to the next one.