From weddings to birthdays, anniversaries and even times of loss, Flowers by LeRoy’s floral designs have been a source of beauty and sentiment in Rapid City for over 56 years. Today, Paula Wimp, the shop’s owner, continues that tradition of excellence, honoring the legacy of the previous owners while shaping the business’s future.
Paula’s story begins in Louisiana where she was raised by her grandmother, a woman who instilled a powerful work ethic in her. “My grandmother was everything to me,” Paula shared. “She raised seven daughters on her own after losing her husband. She taught me that hard work and dedication are key to overcoming challenges.” Although her family couldn’t usually afford flowers, Paula developed a deep admiration for them. “Flowers were a luxury item, something I only saw from a distance. But they always seemed so special to me,” Paula recalled. This early fascination would later fuel her desire to become a florist.
After completing classes and licensing in floristry, Paula moved to Rapid City in 2000 and started working at Flowers by LeRoy. She was immediately impressed by the immaculate presentation and the high standards of service at this shop. Over the years, Paula learned every facet of the business. In 2022, after years of hard work and dedication, she and her husband made the decision to carry on the shop’s legacy by purchasing this Rapid City establishment. “I’m incredibly proud to be the owner of Flowers by LeRoy,” Paula said. “This shop has been a part of the community for so long, and I’m honored to continue that tradition.”
Paula credits much of the shop’s continued success to her talented and dedicated team. “I’m so lucky to work alongside such a wonderful group of people. Everyone here is passionate about what we do, and that’s what makes this place special,” she said. “We spend so much time together and we’re super close-knit. Everyone is so compassionate, supportive and loving with each other; we’re all just like family. I couldn’t be more proud of these individuals working alongside me, representing Flowers by LeRoy.”
As Paula looks toward the future of Flowers by LeRoy, she is focused on maintaining the shop’s legacy while continuing to innovate. “I’m always looking for ways to improve, to stay up to date with trends in the floral industry, to pursue continuing education and to keep providing the best service we can,” she said. “But at the end of the day, it’s about the people we serve and the relationships we build with our customers.”
For Paula, owning Flowers by LeRoy is a dream come true — a chance to carry on a rich legacy while creating new memories for generations to come. “I’m incredibly proud of what this business represents, and I’m excited for the future,” she said. “It’s about being part of the moments that matter in people’s lives. That’s what makes this job so meaningful,” she said.
Paula’s journey from a young girl admiring flowers from afar to becoming the owner of a well-loved community flower shop is a testament to the power of perseverance, passion and the beautiful messages that only flowers can communicate.
2016 West Main Street
Rapid City, SD 57702
flowersbyleroy.florist