For more than six decades, Candlelight Floral has been a beloved part of Wayzata’s business community—helping people celebrate life’s moments both big and small with fresh blooms, heartfelt service, and deep community roots. We are excited to recognize them as an incredible 50-year member of the Wayzata West Metro Chamber.
A Blooming History in the Heart of Wayzata
Originally founded by Tom and Diane Perbix in 1962, Candlelight Floral passed into the capable hands of Vickie Innes in 1972, when she was just 20 years old. Vickie had begun working at the shop at age 19 and quickly fell in love with the business and its mission. In 2010, Lesa Fenwick joined the team, and after five years of learning the craft, she and her husband, Colin, purchased the shop in 2015.
Through it all, the mission has stayed the same: to be there for the “everyday”—from birthdays and anniversaries to funerals and holidays. Through changing trends, evolving customer needs, and decades of retail shifts, Candlelight has remained a steady presence in the Wayzata community.
Chamber Membership: A Foundation of Connection and Growth
When Vickie joined the Chamber in 1975, her goal was simple: get involved, make meaningful connections, and grow the business. Through the Chamber, Candlelight has built partnerships, formed lifelong friendships, and shown up time and again to support community milestones. Some of Candlelight’s most joyful memories stem from volunteering at Chamber events like the Beer & Wine Tents during James J. Hill Days or The Wayzata Chilly Open.
Lesa and Colin have continued that legacy, with Lesa receiving the Chamber Star Award in 2022 for her commitment to volunteerism and community involvement. Vickie was also recognized with the Exceptional Service Award in the early 2010s—a testament to Candlelight’s long-standing dedication to going above and beyond.
Their advice for new businesses: “You get out of it what you put in.” For new businesses considering Chamber membership, the advice is clear—show up, volunteer, engage. If you’re willing to invest the time and energy, the return is invaluable: awareness, connections, and a stronger bond with your community.
What’s Remained Constant
Through every decade, Candlelight has remained grounded in its core values: exceptional customer service, high-quality locally grown flowers, and commitment to volunteerism. Lesa and Colin’s dedication to giving back is part of the business’s DNA and a big part of what keeps customers coming back across generations.
Lesa started a mentorship group two years ago for other florists in Minnesota, the Minnesota Floral Mentorship Community (MFMC). It is currently made up of 55 retail, brick-and-mortar shop owners and growing each day to embody their mission statement of “Community over Competition.” The team is energized by evolving floral trends, increased visibility in the LGBTQ+ community, and future opportunities for creativity, collaboration, and service.
One of their biggest giving back days is Petal it Forward! Join Candlelight on Lake Street on Wednesday, October 15th, around lunch time to receive free bouquets and join in on their annual Petal it Forward event! You will receive two bouquets – one for you to keep and the other for you to Petal it Forward to brighten someone else’s day. This is their 10th year participating, and they hope to see you out on the street. Look for their orange shirts!
As Wayzata continues to bloom, so does Candlelight Floral, always ready to give back and keep brightening lives one bouquet at a time. Visit them at the Village Shoppes at 850 Lake Street East.
