Couple shares love of flowers through new business venture

Published 10:45 am Monday, September 5, 2022

The Briary Flower Shop (also known as The Briary LLC) is owned and operated by a passionate husband and wife duo. 

According to Cynthia Toskes, her husband, Tony, has always had a green thumb in addition to being an artist. Cynthia has a bachelor’s degree in business management to go along with her work with the shop. Tony and Cynthia also share a unique perspective and connection to flowers. “We both feel that flowers bring happiness, peace and romance to each event that they represent at the time,” Cynthia said.

That is a contrast to Cynthia and Tony’s own lives, as she explained that all her greatest memories involved flowers in one way or another, and the same goes for Tony.  

“One is picking flowers at my Aunt Lucy’s house. Tony’s is seeing his mother growing beautiful flowers in her flower garden,” she recalled, before adding that she believes that flowers bring happiness to the world, no matter the occasion or situation. 

Ever since she was young, Cynthia said that she has always had a desire to own a shop that helps supply her local community with items they need to celebrate special occasions. 

“What better way to show how much you care or find a way to someone’s heart than with flowers,” Cynthia said. “By having a flower shop, my family is able to share those times with each person coming through our shop.” 

Tony and Cynthia have lived in Milledgeville for a long time. With that in mind, there was not really a better place to open The Briary for business. It wasn’t always a sure thing that they would open a business, as Cynthia recalled. That led into a long process, which included registering with the federal, state, and local governments. Then they had to find wholesalers that could supply The Briary with the products they needed. Then, they had to find a location that would be best for them, which they did at 3015 Heritage Place, Suite B. 

“It has been very exciting and surreal. Scary some moments,” Cynthia said. “God has had a hand in the process, and I hope he always will.” 

The shop is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. and on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. 

The Briary offers more than just flowers. The business has unique gifts for every occasion, such as baby shower and weddings. They also have a wide selection of fresh flowers. August and September have brought new additions including lilies, anemone, ranunculus, as well as alstroemeria and callas. 

The Briary also offers other types of plants, along with gift baskets, stuffed balloon gifts and balloon art for any occasion. For any bride-to-be planning a wedding, The Briary Flower Shop is offering a deal for cost plus 10% to handle flower needs. 

Within the next two years, Tony and Cynthia plan to have a flower farm on their land on Hopewell Church Road, which will allow them to be self-sufficient and able to fill their shop with their own flowers and plants.