Serving Clovis, Portales and the Surrounding Communities
Serving Clovis, Portales and the Surrounding Communities
Traci Franklin prepares evergreen branches to build a garland Monday at Traci's Greenhouse.
If you talk at length with Traci Franklin of Traci's Greenhouse on Mabry Drive in Clovis it becomes apparent her store is a great fit for someone who loves flowers, the agricultural industry, farming, ranching, raising animals and growing things.
The News talked with Traci Monday afternoon while she worked on crafting an evergreen garland and found out she grew up in Logan.
When she went to college, she chose Oklahoma Panhandle State University in Goodwell, Okla. about 10 miles southwest of Guymon, Okla.
"My great-great-great grandfather helped found that university," Franklin said.
Franklin also attended Kansas State University in Manhattan, Kan. where she worked on a 45-acre nursery/greenhouse complex.
Q: What was your job before you started Traci's Greenhouse?
A: I worked for a lawn and landscaping company for about 5 years here in Clovis. I worked on people's lawns. They got to know me.
Q: What's your favorite flower?
A: Do I have to choose? I'll say sunflower, it's on my sign outside, but I like them all.
Q: You talk a lot about flowers, what about vegetables?
A: Vegetables are a necessity. I like to grow squash, green beans and cucumbers.
Q: What are some things you really like about your business?
A: I employ autistic and special needs people. I work with Clovis High School as they send me their special needs students. They help me more than I help them.
Q: For folks who don't know what you have, what you do at Traci's Greenhouse, describe it.
A: It's a place to come and experience. A place to brighten your day on those sad or cloudy days. It's an experience, it's for your mental health."
Q: What things are here?
A: First thing there's the garden center. Flowers, gardening, plants, the gift shop, home décor, clothing, unusual gifts, specialty gifts, personal gifts."
Q: What's the biggest thing you sell?
A: Concrete fountains, flower pots.
Q: What is something about Traci that people may not know?
A: I do fresh flower arrangements. I didn't go to school for that. I got that from the 'Good Man' upstairs.
Q: As we wrap up our interview anything else you want to mention?
A: My store still holds a unique visual and physical shopping experience because there are so many sights and scents as opposed to the virtual world.
