Blooming with Happiness

Emily Betler didn't want a typical 9-to-5 job. She graduated from Penn State University in 2023 with a Bachelor of Science degree from the College of Agricultural Sciences in plant science horticulture and a minor in international agriculture. In 2024, she added an MBA from the Smeal College of Business at Penn State. Along the way, she interned at a greenhouse in North Carolina and, in 2022, studied abroad in Kenya, where she taught children how to grow their food for themselves and their families.  Enter an opportunity at McCandless Floral.

Emily worked in various capacities at McCandless Floral, located at 8601 Old Perry Highway, Pittsburgh, 15237, in McCandless Township, for three years. By May 2024, she was employed full-time and was named store manager in July 2024. The shop owner, Janet Woloszyk, hadn't planned on selling it. Still, after 49 years of ownership and her great admiration of Emily, the plans to sell the business to Emily went into motion. Emily took over as the new owner in December 2024, and happily, Janet remains involved in the business as a consultant.

Under Emily's ownership, McCandless Floral continues to thrive and serve the Pittsburgh community. According to Emily, 20% to 25% of the business is weddings. Daily deliveries to nearby Passavant Hospital, funeral arrangements, private parties, and walk-ins are also a big part of their work. 

Emily, left, with co-worker Barb Stokes Special occasions, including Valentine's Day in February, Mother's Day and high school proms in May, homecoming dances in the fall, and Thanksgiving and Christmas in the winter, are all high-demand flower events. "I love the variety of this job," said Emily.

Emily also enjoys partnering with other local businesses by sourcing many flowers from local vendors and carrying locally made products in the shop.

"Flowers are a part of everyday life. You get to be here for the good times and the hard times. It's a blessing," Emily recently said.  We hope that she keeps on spreading her unique joy for at least another 49 years. 

Visit McCandless Floral at 8601 Old Perry Highway in McCandless Township or at www.mccandlessfloralinc.com.