LIHU‘E — When doors to the Gwendolyn Scout Design Flower Boutique opened on Thursday, the aroma and fragrance was definitely flower shop despite the French Polynesian influenced appearance.
“Gwendolyn and Scout, they’re our daughters,” said Kim Barkow, who along with Shawn Riley operate the new flower boutique located near the Longs Drugs entrance to Kukui Grove Center.
“The incredibly talented Kim Barkow is opening her first design boutique, just in time for the holiday season,” said Aletha Thomas on her Monkeypod Pod Jam social media page. “Over the past 10 years, Kim’s skills and aesthetic have been available exclusively to bridal parties and private events.”
Barkow brings more than 27 years of experience to the outlet. “Monkeypod Jam is doing our food,” Barkow said.
Monkeypod Jam said for the month of December, handcrafted magnolia and bay leaf wreaths, garlands, terrariums, kokedamas, potted winter bulbs and unique plants are available.
“For those desiring a polished, media-worthy backdrop, Barkow and her team are prepared to create custom home and corporate holiday decor installations,” Thomas said.
Melissa McFerrin-Warrack of Kukui Grove Center was excited to welcome the new floral boutique to the array of retailers in the shopping center.
“We’re having more pop-ups this weekend,” McFerrin-Warrack said. “Red Eye Hawai‘i had so much fun during last week’s Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, she’s coming back again this week in the same location next to Genki Sushi. Our big pop-up is the Little Pea Holiday Market that benefits Kaua‘i Hospice.”
The Sweet Pea Holiday Market is open Sunday in the former Pier 1 space at the Kukui Marketplace close to the Target store, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. with about 30 vendors and small businesses.
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Dennis Fujimoto, staff writer and photographer, can be reached at 808-245-0453 or dfujimoto@thegardenisland.com.
