New business owner takes over flower shop in Olivia
Local entrepreneur benefits from Southwest Initiative Foundation loan program
OLIVIA, Minn. – Trenna Jeppesen has opened TJ Petals & More with help from Southwest Initiative Foundation’s (SWIF) Microenterprise Loan Program. Jeppesen purchased the real estate and business assets of Olivia Floral and Garden from owner Nicole Johnson.
“I have always had a passion for flowers and the joy that they can bring a person in hard times and exciting times,” Jeppesen said. “Since I was 12 years old, I have known that my future job was to create a business where I can share my talents with those around me.”
The store began in 1954 as Olivia Floral and has been a staple in the community. That tradition continues at TJ Petals & More with custom floral arrangements for weddings, sympathy and special occasions as well as indoor and outdoor plants and a variety of gift items.
“I have been growing flowers along with other plants for most of my life; my passion for flowers stems from what my grandma taught me as a child,” Jeppesen said.
Jeppesen graduated college with a degree in agricultural leadership and a minor in agricultural business. She took floriculture and horticulture classes and participated in the floriculture group on campus.
In 2024, Jeppesen started a cut flower farm at her family farm near Lake Lillian. She was working with Johnson by selling stems and bundles for Olivia Floral and Garden. When Johnson approached her about purchasing the business, Jeppesen saw an opportunity to pursue her passions even more fully. Jeppesen will continue growing flowers locally and will add them to the store’s offering’s in the summer months. She plans to use the existing greenhouses to start flowers for her farm.
Loan funds from SWIF helped purchase machinery and equipment and provided working capital for TJ Petals & More. Microloan clients also receive free technical assistance to improve their business management skills. Areas of support include business planning and financials analysis, accounting software training, marketing assistance and other training opportunities for the life of the loan.
Loan programs have been a key function of SWIF since its inception to support communities and businesses throughout southwest Minnesota. In 2001, microlending was added to existing programs as a tool to support small businesses and entrepreneurs.
“It’s great to see this business remain in the community for so long, and we’re proud to help Trenna pursue her entrepreneurship dreams,” said Selina Berning, SWIF Entrepreneurship Finance Officer.
This microloan program receives funding assistance from the U.S. Small Business Administration and U.S. Department of Agriculture. For more information, contact SWIF by calling (800) 594-9480 or (320) 587-4848, or email SWIF.
About Southwest Initiative Foundation
Southwest Initiative Foundation (SWIF) is a nonprofit community foundation connecting people, investing in ideas and building communities to create a southwest Minnesota where all people thrive. Since its founding in 1986, SWIF has distributed more than $120 million through its grantmaking and business finance programs.