Main Street Lansing welcomes new owner of Red Geranium Floral & Gifts
Red Geranium Floral & Gifts celebrates Ribbon Cutting and First Dollar event ... Members of Main Street Lansing celebrated a ribbon cutting and First Dollar visit with Jill Mathis, new owner of Red Geranium Floral & Gifts on Main Street in Lansing. Pictured in the center of the above photo with her husband, Cody, Mathis purchased the business from long-time owners Jan Henkel and Jana Schoh. Submitted photo.
submitted by Main Street Lansing
Main Street Lansing recently celebrated a ribbon cutting and First Dollar presentation with Red Geranium Floral & Gifts, welcoming new owner Jill Mathis to Lansing’s downtown business community.
Mathis, originally from New Albin, relocated to the Lansing area in 2024 with her husband and three children. With a professional background as a paralegal and in banking, she brings years of customer service, marketing, and bookkeeping experience to her new role as a small business owner. Inspired by her lifelong love of flowers and creative design, Mathis pursued floral training and classes before stepping into ownership.
“I’ve always loved flowers. A thoughtful arrangement or gift can make people feel seen, appreciated, and celebrated - that emotional connection is what drew me into this business,” she shared.
Her journey into entrepreneurship was shaped by strong family role models. She watched her father run his business growing up and helped her husband launch his own company. “Their examples taught me problem-solving, motivation, and how to serve customers with care,” she said.
When the opportunity to purchase Red Geranium Floral & Gifts, a longtime cornerstone in Lansing, became available, Mathis knew it was the right fit. After thoughtful consideration, she decided to continue the legacy of this beloved shop while infusing her own vision.
CONTINUING TRADITION, ADDING NEW TOUCHES
Short-term goals Mathis has for her new business venture include strengthening customer loyalty, expanding visibility in the community, and showcasing that Red Geranium is more than a flower shop. Alongside fresh floral arrangements, the shop offers women’s clothing, unique gifts, and locally-made products, such as:
Eco-friendly body care products from 1924 Custom Soapery (Sparta, WI);
Hand-poured soy candles from Lafayette Ridge Candle Co. (Lansing);
Wine from Madigan Winery (near Lansing);
Custom gift items from artisans in West Salem, WI and Edgewood.
Many products are made in the USA, something Mathis says she feels strongly about. She is also preparing to launch an online ordering website and continues to expand services like wedding floral consultations.
ROOTED IN COMMUNITY
Mathis sees Red Geranium Floral & Gifts as a place of warmth, creativity, and connection. “My role is to provide professional, excellent service at a local level, offering flowers, gifts, and clothing at reasonable prices,” she said.
When asked what she loves most about living and working in Lansing, Mathis replied, “What I love most about Lansing is the combination of natural beauty and strong community spirit. The river brings a peaceful energy to everyday life, and the surrounding bluffs and landscapes are just breathtaking.
The people here are incredibly supportive - there’s a real sense of looking out for one another. The local school is at the heart of it all, helping to raise kind, thoughtful kids and keeping families closely connected. It’s a beautiful place to live, work, and grow.”
MAIN STREET LANSING’S ROLE
Main Street Lansing (MSL) is proud to support new business owners like Mathis through events such as ribbon cuttings, First Dollar presentations, and ongoing promotion. Uplifting local entrepreneurs not only strengthens the downtown district but also reinforces Lansing’s unique identity as a welcoming, vibrant destination.
“Our mission at MSL is to help businesses like Red Geranium Floral & Gifts thrive,” said Jackie Cooper, Executive Director. “When new owners invest in our community, it’s important we invest back through visibility, connections, and collaboration. These businesses are the heartbeat of downtown, and together we ensure Lansing remains a place where both residents and visitors want to be.”
Visit Red Geranium Floral & Gifts at 201 Main Street in Lansing. Hours of operation include 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesday-Friday and 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday. The business is closed Sunday and Monday. Red Geranium Floral & Gifts can also be reached at 563-538-3943 or followed online at facebook.com/redgeraniumfloral.
