After a life-altering health crisis forced her to close the floral side of Baker’s Design in Wessington Springs earlier this year, Laura Baker is now embracing a fresh start — a “reboot” of her Main Street business that taps into creativity and community connection in new ways.
“It’s been scary. It’s been emotional. It’s really hard to describe,” Baker said. “So much changed in such a short amount of time — trying to get my body back on track, my mind back on track.”
Six months postsurgery, Baker is improving physically and mentally, though she admits she misses parts of the floral business, especially the close relationships she built with customers over the years.
“I miss being part of people’s exciting times, their lives. I miss seeing the people who came in yearly for birthdays, anniversaries,” she said. “It’s been a big adjustment coming to terms with that.”
Despite that, Baker’s spirit is bright. She’s excited about the “reboot,” a renewed focus on the giftware, embroidery, screen printing, and newly added laser engraving side of the business.
“We’ve had a lot of people ask if we’re still open,” she said. “We are! Just no flowers anymore, but we still have great giftware, sympathy gifts, and all kinds of creative embroidery and screen printing projects. We also continue to grow our South Dakota product offerings, which include not only wine, but also beer, seltzer, dip and soup mixes, a line of delicious honey goods and even baking mixes too.”
Baker explained how the reboot includes a complete rearrangement and expansion of the workspace, allowing her to focus better and offer a wider array of personalized products. From embroidered hats and shirts to custom screen-printed special occasion t-shirts and business apparel, Baker is rediscovering her passion for creativity.
“We’ve also purchased a laser engraving machine from Shane and Angie Mentzer and the possibilities are endless: cups, cutting boards, keychains, plaques, leather patches. I’m still learning, but it’s exciting,” she said.
One highlight is the new online store featuring Spartans and Bucks athletics apparel with designs for volleyball, cross country, football, golf, basketball and more. Baker plans to expand the offerings to include polo shirts, windbreakers, and accessories for every sport available year-round.
“This lets people buy gifts whenever they want, not just during a particular sport season,” she said. “I’m really proud of how the store has evolved and how easy it is to use.”
For Baker, the reboot isn’t just about new products, it’s about reclaiming her connection to the community.
“I want people to know I’m here. I’m thankful to be here. Things are changing for the better, and I’m happy to be moving forward,” she said. “I’m still the same person who wants to be part of your life’s special moments, just in a different way.”
She welcomes customers to stop in, chat, and bring ideas for new designs or products.
“I want to create things that celebrate family, friends, school pride, and local businesses,” Baker said. “The sky’s the limit.”
And while the floral side may be behind her, the heart of Baker’s Design remains strong: a testament to resilience, creativity and the power of community.