Cioni returning to roots

Sarah Cioni didn't set out to be a florist - she wanted to be a shopkeeper. She founded The Painted Primrose Floral Studio in 2001 and eventually began selling flower arrangements out of the Niwot Market. Now, she's returning to those beginnings and taking over the floral section within the Market.

"A lot of us in the industry say that the flowers found us," Cioni said. "There's a wonderful sense of accomplishment when you make a flower arrangement."

The new floral area will include pre-made flower arrangements, other live plants and a selection of candles made by Cioni. Cioni owns Belle Terre Floral and said that the plan is for one of the Belle Terre designers to work at the Market for a period of time in the mornings; customers can then go to Belle Terre for specialty arrangements, other floral requests and gifts.

"The biggest seller in my shop is bath and body, so we'll have spa baskets over there for Valentines [Day]," said Cioni. "We're just so excited for this opportunity and we're so thankful."

The Nook, which is already housed within Niwot Market, will expand their gift section, now that the floral area-previously occupied by Juniper & Twine-is being revamped.

Cioni said that she is excited to sell flowers at the Niwot Market where her career in the industry began. She and her team began filling the Market's cooler in mid-December and they are looking forward to making connections with the community.

"She knows the customers and she knows Niwot, so it seemed like a good fit," said Niwot Market co-owner Alison Steele. "I think it will be exciting."