Business handed from one family to another

Growing a business was a natural step for sisters Cara Sedgwick and Callie Pimental.

Sedgwick flourished in creativity, while Pimental preferred to be practical and analytical. It was only earlier this year that the sisters got together when they purchased Touch of Grace Florist and Gift Shop located on Hawthorn Street.

The store first opened in 2000 under the ownership of Grace Pinhacos. Seven years ago, her son Chris took over the business. 

Sedgwick, who has a background in photography and hosting parties, had worked at the store for some time before the Covid-19 pandemic but stopped to be with her family.

She reconnected with the store in the fall of last year, only to learn that Chris was planning to move to Connecticut, and Grace wanted to officially retire.

“They didn’t know what was going to happen with the shop,” Sedgwick said.

Upon hearing that the store could close, Sedgwick said her husband suggested she buy the store so she could fully bring out her creative side.

“This just seemed to be a perfect fit,” she said.

After months of going over logistics, the Dartmouth resident reached out to her sister, who was a registered nurse at the time, to see if she was interested in becoming her partner in taking care of this family business. 

Sedgwick noted that Pimental had the perfect brain to handle all the logistical aspects while she could do the floral arrangements.

“I’m the gray: artistic and creative. She’s the black and white: hence the RN,” Sedgwick said with a laugh. “We’re best friends — to do something like this is a once in a lifetime opportunity.”

After being a registered nurse for 12 years, Pimental agreed to hop in and take the adventure with her sister, Sedgwick said.

The two closed on the store on the final day of 2021 and officially became owners to kick off the new year.

While it was a bit of a learning curve at first, the duo was given a lot of guidance early on from Grace, who still pops in regularly to lend a hand at her old shop.

“Helps to learn from the best,” Sedgwick said.

That knowledge, she said, has helped out greatly for what has become a very busy year for Touch of Grace.

Already, the sisters have done arrangements for seven weddings, numerous communions, prom parties, and funerals.

“It’s constant,” Sedgwick said, attributing the perpetual flow of work to the return of events following their Covid-related cancellations and postponements.

The sisters also provided arrangements for the annual Power of the Purse event hosted by the United Way of Greater New Bedford, worked with Friends Academy and contributed some flowers for auction at this year’s Lloyd Center clambake. 

“We try to give back when we can,” Sedgwick said.

There have also been some additions to the business offerings. 

Along with providing floral arrangements, the store also sells perfumes, snacks for charcuterie boards and rugs made by the sisters’ mom.

“Another way we keep the family element in all of this,” Sedgwick said.

She added that there are also plans to host workshops for kids and adults.

“We’re taking baby steps here,” Sedgwick said with a laugh.

While there may be some updates to the store, the sisters feel it’s just a natural extension of Pinhacos’ vision from more than 20 years ago.

“We just want to live up to what Grace created,” Sedgwick said.

Touch of Grace is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, visit touchofgraceflorist.com or call (508) 858-5270.