Linda Stone has always been a beacon of light, highlighting these values in her work and committed to emphasizing compassion and spirituality in her community. At just 21, she jumped into the unknown world of baking with no experience but was driven to bring joy to her community.
Making People Smile
Stone always wanted to pursue career paths that made a difference in the lives of others. As a bakery owner, she teamed up with her brother to face all the challenges that came her way, displaying a positive attitude while learning the tricks of the trade and establishing a successful business.
Spiritual Intervention
Stone truly believes in the power of faith and that God will always provide and invariably lead you to your chosen path. Today, she is the owner of the thriving floral establishment City Flowers and Gifts in New Buffalo, Michigan. However, her journey to this venture began many years ago while visiting the American Floral Art School in Chicago. The institution experienced an unexpected cancellation, which Stone credited to the spirits, creating her fate to enroll and pursue this calling.
For the past 25 years, Stone has experienced numerous challenges. She attributes much of her success to her unwavering beliefs and a willingness to be guided. Naturally, building the shop into the community staple it has become necessitated a great deal of hard work. However, she believes that with belief and creativity, anything is possible.
Community outreach and using her forum to help others have always proven vital to Stone’s brand. City Flowers and Gifts sponsors charitable organizations such as St. Jude Children’s Hospital and the American Red Cross.
Bringing Her Message to Children
Stone realizes how important it is to bring positive messages to children. She adores her two rescue dogs, Bubbles and Teddy. Stone knew she wanted to write about her two beloved canines but did not know how to go about such an effort. Counting on her undying faith, she sat for several days holding a pencil to paper until the ideas came to her.
Eventually, her creativity shined through. The end products have been several children’s books. Her first was “Bubbles’ Troubles,” followed by the soon-to-be-released “Teddy’s Spaghetti” and “Home Is The Very Best Place To Be.” Each of these stories teaches children the importance of adopting shelter pets and the amazing bonds that develop between humans and dogs. Portions of the proceeds from book sales will go toward local animal shelters.
What Does Stone Envision for Her Future?
You might think owning and operating successful businesses, becoming a noted children’s author, being featured in the New Buffalo Times, and receiving national recognition from Marquis Who’s Who would bring about contentment. However, Stone strives to continue her mission to make this world a better and nicer place for everyone.
“Be the change you wish to see in the world,” Stone said.
Stone plans to engage in world-improving acts regardless of how small, such as donating food to local soup kitchens and showing simple kindnesses, such as holding a door open for someone.
Stone is the living embodiment of the philosophy that you can achieve anything through hard work, faith, and a willingness to learn and be guided. Her commercial successes in the business and publishing worlds have emboldened her to inspire others to display kindness and strive to make their neighborhoods, communities and worlds better places to live in.
