In 1974, Linda Fuller started selling flowers at Lake Anne Village Center out of her van. Later she obtained a location for her store on the Washington Plaza, but left the area six years ago when that building was sold. She consolidated the business and moved everything to its other location in Herndon. Now, Lake Anne Florist is back in Reston.
"It’s great to be back," said Fuller, manning a table of giveaways on the Washington Plaza on Saturday morning. Lake Anne Florist held its official opening on Saturday, July 28. "It’s been fabulous," said Fuller about the opening day.
Fuller and two other employees — Kim Dube and Celeste Kisielewski — gave away flowers, chocolates and other goods to their visitors on Saturday. Kisielewski has worked at the store for a year-and-a-half. She grew up in the area and remembers visiting Fuller’s shop when she was little. "I’ve lived here for 32 years and she’s been in business for 33," said Kisielewski.
"I like having the florist here," said Gail Vogel, a Hickory Cluster resident since 1989. "It’s nice to have variety," said Vogel, adding that in 1989 there were more types of shops at Lake Anne Village Center.
Lake Anne Florist did not return to the village center alone. Chesapeake Chocolates shares the space at 11426 Washington Plaza West with Fuller’s business. Doris Tyler and Bernadette Burger run Chesapeake Chocolates. For the last 10 years the two ran a home-based business from Herndon, mostly through mail order. Saturday marked the first time Chesapeake Chocolates opened its own store location. "It’s great here," said Tyler. "There is music, people walking around and people are really excited that we’re here."
Lake Anne Florist is opened Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturdays 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tyler said Chesapeake Chocolates would follow the same working hours.