The Lea’s Floral Shop staff from left to right: John Lechliter, AIFD, Mary Lechliter-King, Maryann Lechliter (in back) Sally Lasica, and Lisa Robertson. At right, a sign marks the location where Lea’s Floral Shop will soon break ground on a new building following a fire last year.
The Society of American Florists’ membership includes all segments of the industry — and that community is the heart of SAF. This bi-weekly feature will spotlight SAF members sharing inspirational stories, professional insights, and the opportunity to form new industry connections.
Mary Lechliter-King’s grandfather didn’t know anything about the flower business when he took a chance and purchased a flower shop in 1959. Nearly 63 years later the East McKeesport, Pennsylvania business is still going strong — even in the wake of a major fire last year. Lechliter-King is now a third-generation owner of Lea’s Floral Shop, running the store with her dad, Frank, and three (of four) of her children. “I love that we are still a family business with the same values that my Grandpap and Mom established,” she says.
Lechliter-King’s mother helped her grandfather establish the shop, agreeing to assist for just one year. She ended up staying for more than 50 years. Growing up, Lechliter-King never wanted to work at Lea’s and remembers being “forced” to help during busy times and during holidays. When her grandfather passed away and her mother’s health worsened, Lechliter-King became more involved with the business. “Little by little I took over and now I can’t imagine my life without this store,” she says.
Biggest Challenge. On April 10, 2021, Lea’s Floral Shop caught fire. Fortunately, the staff — who was eating lunch — got out safely, but the fire quickly engulfed the building, destroying everything except for their computers, which they were able to save. The team quickly moved into a garage to fulfill funeral work. While working in the garage the chief of police stopped by and saw how difficult is was for them to operate and jumped into action looking for rental properties. The overwhelming support from the community had Lea’s up and running in a new location within a week. “Friends, family and customers came to help us get set up,” Lechliter-King says. “The outpouring of support was very overwhelming.”
The family is in the process of finalizing plans to rebuild on the same block where her grandfather and mother started the first store.
“This past year has been very challenging, but also taught me that as long as you stay positive and put your mind to standing on your feet, you will,” Lechliter-King says.
What excites her. Lechliter-King says that she loves her staff. They get a lot of work done but also know how to laugh and joke. She enjoys seeing her children working at Lea’s, and it brings her joy that she and her children are keeping their family’s traditions alive.
She is encouraged that the younger generation is getting more excited about flowers and thankful that the pandemic showed everyone that flowers have the power to bring happiness.
Best Advice. To take one day at a time and to treat everyone with kindness and compassion.
Why SAF? Lechliter-King joined the Society of American Florists because of the education opportunities. “It’s always exciting to learn,” she says.
Lechliter-King was recently featured on SAF’s Facebook and Instagram accounts.
Do you know a member who should have an opportunity in the spotlight? Email Stephanie Brady, communications and event coordinator for SAF.
Stephanie Brady is the communications and event coordinator for the Society of American Florists.
