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Seize the Daisy: A blossoming gem in Benkelman
Yes, they are a floral store. And their stunning arrangements fill rooms with vibrant displays of color and texture.
But Seize the Daisy in Benkelman, Neb. offers so much more. Home decor, gourmet snacks, candles, jewelry, stuffed toys, seasonal items, and for those who can’t decide, gift cards take the guesswork out of choosing the perfect gift.
Nestled in the heart of Benkelman at 517 Chief Street, the gift shop exudes charm and warmth from the moment you step inside. The array of items caters to a variety of tastes and preferences.
Let’s begin with the florals. Seize the Daisy does arrangements for weddings, funerals, holidays, and numerous other occasions. From a simple bouquet tied with ribbon to an elaborate centerpiece designed to be an attention grabber, to a decorative foliage wreath to welcome a new season, Seize the Daisy specializes in fun and modern designs.
“We’re full-service florists, we do everyday florals, anniversaries, special occasions, birthdays, and all the major floral holidays like Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, and prom,” owner Nickole Sis said.
Sis started as a part-time employee of the store before buying the business in 2015. “I stumbled into the floral business. I answered an ad in the newspaper, they needed part-time help here, and that was probably about 12 or 13 years ago. Prior to that, I worked in education, ag finance, and we owned a small motel. I was in between careers at the time I answered that ad,” Sis said.
Sis worked for the previous owners for a couple of years, but then in 2014 she started exploring options for buying the business. “My husband, Shane and I became the proud owners in 2015”, Sis said. They are now in their tenth year of owning Seize the Daisy.
The journey from part-time employee was one Sis had been planning and imagining even before she purchased the business. “It was actually a pretty smooth transition, Sis said. That is because she began thinking like an owner long before she actually took the plunge.
“When I started thinking about the possibility of buying, I took on the mindset each day how would I approach this day or this order or this customer if this business was mine,” Sis said.
Upon taking ownership, Sis made many changes to shape the business in her own image, including renaming it—an idea inspired by a card her husband gave her.
“I inherited a very healthy business, especially the floral side. It had a strong customer base and a good reputation. I retained some of the existing employees with the goal of maintaining the current level of service and then growing it in numbers and style to appeal to what I call the ‘Pinterest generation,’” Sis said
Sis observed a shift in her customers over the years. “A lot of folks looking for florals nowadays are more internet-savvy than they were maybe 10 or 15 years ago, before the internet exploded into what we see now.” she noted. This change meant that people now come to her shop with specific ideas in mind, thanks to the abundance of floral pictures available online. “Before, folks would call in to place their orders and rely on the florist to execute their vision because they weren’t aware of what was available,” she recalled. Determined to bridge this gap, Sis focused on showcasing the possibilities while keeping prices affordable, ensuring her customers could find exactly what they envisioned.
The store’s website, seizethedaisy.com, is full of colorful examples that can be purchased directly from the site. Their team of talented designers is always willing and able to create custom arrangements. Online customers should note that not every arrangement is always available at the time of their order, due to our rural location and shipping logistical challenges. But, they make every effort to provide an arrangement as close to the chosen one as possible. And when a certain arrangement just isn’t possible due to availability, the team is excellent at communicating with the customer to arrange a beautiful substitution.
A significant aspect of doing business in a small town for Seize the Daisy is managing the stream of orders that come from nearby communities. “It’s challenging, mostly because economics are tough in small towns, and that has been the case even more so since the pandemic. But now we’re starting to rise up out of the troublesome times of the pandemic,” Sis said.
Seize The Daisy services the entirety of Dundy County, and their delivery area stretches into adjacent counties, as well. They deliver as far north as Imperial, as far south as Bird City, as far west as Haigler, and as far east as McCook.
Sis is particularly proud of the retail gift shop, a side of the business she has significantly developed since taking ownership. “I have grown the retail storefront since I purchased the business. We’ve done a huge remodeling project. What you see out there is not what I bought. I put in all new walls, lighting, windows, doors, and the awning. I also changed the name of the business to bring it to more modern times and expanded the offerings,” she explained.
Today, the shop boasts a diverse selection of home décor, baby gifts, everyday general gifts, a gourmet section, and faux florals.”We also offer wall decor, accent furniture, shelves, bath and body products, helium balloons, and we also have an extensive greeting card selection,” Sis added. Like many other retail and gift businesses, Seize the Daisy goes all out for the holidays. “Christmas is big, and we start planning for that in January. During the summer, the shipments start to arrive. Then we have to take everything out, inspect it, make sure there’s no breakage, get it priced, and some things require prepping. We start with lighting and putting stuff out in October,” Sis explained.
“We’re known for our holiday open house, and we send out a giant mailer to hundreds of people.” This year’s holiday open house is set for November 15-16, featuring drawings, snacks, and an opportunity for everyone to see all the Christmas merchandise Seize the Daisy has to offer. Anyone who would like to be on their mailing list should send an email request to info@seizethedaisy.com
As Seize the Daisy celebrates its tenth year under Nickole Sis’s ownership, it stands as a testament to her vision and dedication. From its vibrant floral arrangements to its thoughtfully curated retail gift shop, the store offers something for everyone. Whether you’re seeking a custom bouquet, a unique piece of home décor, or the perfect holiday gift, Seize the Daisy provides a welcoming and inspiring shopping experience. With a focus on quality, affordability, and modern style, Nickole Sis has transformed Seize the Daisy into a beloved local gem that continues to thrive and grow, bringing beauty and joy to the heart of Benkelman and beyond.
This article is a continuing series about McCook Gazette “Thumbs Up to Business” partners. Call the Gazette at (308)345-4500 for more information on how to have your business included in this series.