Leah Gardner, owner of Queen Bee’s Gardens & Floral, received Wright County Economic Development Partnership’s 2024 Outstanding Start Up Entrepreneur Award.

When we stopped by to congratulate Leah, she reflected on the past 3 years of being part of the Monticello Business Community. She shared that she still can’t believe all the support she has received from the community and the success she’s experienced. She trusted her gut and knew that Monticello was the place to be and pursue her new career. Queen Bee’s is Leah’s first business venture. Prior to Queen Bee’s, Leah was an Occupational Therapist Assistant – she loves working with people. And now, she gets to work with people in a different way, one that she finds very rewarding.

Leah is very involved in the community, taking part in the Monticello Chamber of Commerce and Industry and community events. In addition to the shop, she offers porch pot classes where you’ll learn to create your own arrangements and personalize planters to beautify your space. The classes have been very popular, with more coming this spring to celebrate the season and Mother’s Day in May.

We want to congratulate Leah on this outstanding achievement and recognize all the great work she has been doing in and for Monticello’s community.

Stay up to date with Queen Bee’s online at queenbeesgardens.com or follow the shop on Facebook. Don’t forget to stop in for your Valentine’s Day flowers too – they’re located at 200 W Broadway Street, Suite 101, in Monticello.