COLUMBIA, KY—It’s Alexis Jennings’ dream to help others see their dreams come true. As the owner of 313maple Florist & Events, she’s done that with a welcome flair in downtown Columbia, Kentucky.
However, her most recent plans to purchase a nearby building, expand the unique downtown floral shop and event space, and reach more clients have taken time. They have required input from women and leaders she trusts and the professional support of some of the region’s most effective business and economic development organizations.
Jennings has operated the floral and event business in a leased building on the historic Columbia Square since 2017. Oh, the fun she is having doing it! In 2025, she wanted to move into a more prominent, strategic location, allowing for expanded operations and creating a more inviting atmosphere, hoping to increase foot traffic and sales. The new location spans approximately 6,000 square feet across three levels, providing ample space for retail, floral design, workshops, and event rentals.
“The success of a small business isn’t just about profits -it’s about passion, perseverance, and building relationships that turn customers into a community,” Jennings said.
At this new location, 212 Public Square, Jennings hopes to become the go-to provider for local events and continue her “not your ordinary” floral services in downtown Columbia.
If you are planning a celebration, 313maple is the place to start. Jennings has helped her customers celebrate weddings, births, parties and reunions. She also offers floral services for funerals. Jennings puts her creative knowledge into her work to meet specific needs and sees each project through to the end. She is also a wedding planner.
Local leaders have noticed her success and support it.
Paige Nickel, executive director of the Tourism and Convention Commission, calls 313maple a “small, intimate and trendy rental option” for local leaders and visitors.
“Alexis is one of the most talented and hardworking people you will meet,” she added. “Her attention to detail and creative thinking is unmatched. Everyone knows it will look spectacular when she is involved in something, and no detail will be left out.”
The Adair County native is an accomplished artist. You might have seen or purchased her work. Her artistic talents are intricately woven into her work as a wedding planner/event specialist and floral designer.
The shop isn’t located at 313 Maple Street. The business’ name origin is wrapped up in childhood memories she treasures. She grew up at 313 Maple Street in Columbia. There, she developed her creative sense and was influenced by her grandmother, Mary Helen Young. She encouraged her to look beyond a mundane small-town life and build her unique brand and business to flourish and give back to the community she loves.
The young mother of four says three other women have inspired, guided and given her the will to become the successful entrepreneur she is today.
“Two monumental people in my life are Debra Wimmer, my high school art teacher, and Linda Clark, a wedding/event planner extraordinaire. Debra nurtured my artistic abilities and taught me never to give up something I’m passionate about even when life had other plans,” Jennings explained. “Lastly, there’s Linda Clark, who owns Swans Landing, a prestigious event planning business in central Kentucky. Linda taught me how to use my artistic talent in the event world. Her strong work ethic, resilience and commitment to her team and community have molded me into the successful entrepreneur I am today. I’ve learned from experience that hard work, dedication, pushing through setbacks and learning from mistakes are the keys to success.”
So, when she saw the opportunity for growth, she went for it.
“Renting for the last seven years felt like we never fully had a place to call home,” Jennings said. “When it came time to ‘move it or lose it,’ I seriously didn’t know what or how I was going to pull off buying a building, let alone score the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to buy prime real estate on our historic town square.”
“I have four kids that comprise most of my income, and my ‘seven-year hobby’ was sustaining itself. Local banking requirements were almost unrealistic for a small business family to meet. I had overcome an epidemic, successfully pushed two children from the nest, and built our family home. The funds were just not there to meet the down payment needed.”
After confiding in Columbia Mayor Pam Hoots about the possibility of temporarily closing her business due to a lack of lending opportunities to move, the mayor referred her to Kyle Mann, a business coach with the Kentucky Small Business Development Center at Southeastern Kentucky.
Mann called Jennings “a shining example of what happens when passion meets perseverance.” Mann assisted Jennings with developing her business plan, financial forecasting, and exploring strategic growth opportunities.
“Her incredible artistic talent and dedication have allowed her to turn her creative gifts into a thriving business,” Mann said. “Whether she’s capturing the joy of a wedding or honoring the memory of a loved one, Alexis ensures every client experience is heartfelt and meaningful. I’m incredibly excited to see how she continues positively impacting lives through her business.”
Mayor Hoots says the city appreciates Jennings’ commitment to downtown and the city.
“Alexis is an asset to our community,” Hoots said. “313maple is an excellent addition to our downtown. We appreciate her commitment to Columbia and Adair County.”
When he felt she was prepared, Mann referred Jennings to the Southeast Kentucky Economic Development Corp. (SKED) for small business financing.
Jennings met with SKED Small Business Training Director Amanda Kelly and Director of Lending Bob Burgess. Within weeks, she had been approved for a small business loan with the regional nonprofit lender and had a closing date on her small business dream.
“I was able to get the financing I needed as well as some additional funds to get the floral walk-in cooler that I’ve needed since day one,” Jennings said excitedly. “All I needed was one person to believe in my vision to give 313maple a permanent home. I’m beyond thankful and blessed for the guidance, support and encouragement from everyone in my life that has made this small-town business successful.”
Burgess worked closely with Jennings to create the perfect lending package for her specific commercial loan needs.
“Alexis has such good business sense,” Burgess said. “She loves working with people, and it shows. We are glad to help her continue serving Columbia and its events and celebration needs in this newly upgraded space. I look forward to her success.”
Jennings says she and her husband, Eric, are working together on further improvements to the building. She calls him her “handyman husband.”
“Eric and I are committed to bringing this historic building back to life,” Jennings said. “With my eye for design and his craftsmanship, we make a perfect team, alongside my children and a close-knit circle of friends.”
Learn more about 313maple at www.313mapleflorist.com. Follow the business on social media: https://www.facebook.com/313maple.
