Hive + Hollow is a local flower and gift shop with locations in Menomonie and Eau Claire focused on sustainably sourced florals and products. They work on  nourishing the community, local farmers, and our planet to provide a natural alternative to conventional floristry one beautiful arrangement at a time. Some of the treasures you can find at their shops include eco-friendly home goods, a curated selection of local art, cool vintage finds, and, of course, lots of plants and flowers. It’s a one-stop shop for anyone on your gifting list this year.

Sarah Lambert-Freeman, owner of Hive + Hollow, has been working in the floral industry since 1995. She spent many years learning about the darker sides of the industry, including its significant waste, harmful chemicals, and unsustainable farming practices that damage flower-growing communities and the environment. Sarah’s inspiration came from wanting to do things differently and in a way that is more equitable. After moving to Menomonie ten years ago, she and her family planted flowers on their property, started getting to know the beauty that was already there, and decided she wanted to share it with the local community. This sparked the desire to bring more wild, nature-based floral arrangements and decor from local growers and makers to the town, and so  Hive + Hollow was officially founded in 2018.

When asked what her favorite part about owning a small business is, Sarah explained that she loves the variety that comes with it. “Every day is an adventure! Each day is a little different, I get to work with amazing people, and by designing flowers, I get to be a part of people’s most important life occasions,” she explained. Her team is now made up of three people—herself, her son Rowan, and her friend Charis. Each brings their own unique strengths and eye for design to the business.

Over the past four years, Hive + Hollow has grown into two locations, one next door to our Menomonie store on 9th Street and another in downtown Eau Claire on Dewey Street near Volume One and The Local Store. You can support them by picking up a grab-and-go bouquet from our Menomonie store, stopping into either of the shops to discover your newest favorite plant or art piece, or considering them for any weddings, events, or celebrations of life for which you may need arrangements. Bouquets and arrangements will be available in our new Eau Claire store once the expanded location opens in late 2023 as well. You won’t find many floral arrangements or adorable gift shops quite like Sarah’s in the Chippewa Valley, and that is what makes them so special!

This article was originally published in the November/December 2022 issue of our bi-monthly newsletter, The Morsel. If you’d like to read more stories like this one and stay up to date on the latest co-op news and events, pick up a print copy in-store on your next grocery run or find more news on our website here.