Newark Celebrates New Black Woman-Owned Floral Shop Launch

A new floral shop, Madonna’s Garden, opened its doors on September 15, 2023, in downtown Newark, marking a significant milestone for the local community. Located on Raymond Boulevard, this vibrant shop is owned by Sheaun Barnes, a seasoned florist and event planner with over 30 years of experience. The shop occupies the site of a former barbershop near the Rutgers University-Newark campus, transforming the space into a floral haven.

The opening day was a lively celebration attended by friends and family. Guests enjoyed delicious food, champagne, and gift bags, while Sheaun’s daughter, Chaancé, showcased her talent with R&B performances. The ceremony culminated in a traditional ribbon-cutting, symbolizing the realization of a dream that has been in the making for 35 years. “Today is more than a grand opening,” said Shennel Barnes, Sheaun’s niece. “It is the unveiling of a dream, rooted in love, watered by hard work, and blossoming right before our eyes.”

Madonna’s Garden features an array of floral offerings, including button daisies, hybrid lilies in exotic colors, alstroemerias, baby’s breath, and a variety of roses. In addition to flowers, the shop also boasts a selection of jewelry, candles, shoes, and folding hand fans, catering to diverse customer needs. Sheaun’s extensive background in event planning will also allow her to assist clients with various occasions, including weddings, funerals, birthdays, and baby showers. “I just like to be in the background, creating the vision, and then just kind of like fluttering away,” she remarked.

Having entered the floral industry as a young adult, Sheaun’s journey began with part-time work at a flower shop in the South Ward. There, she learned essential skills from owner DaVonne Carey, who nurtured her visual eye and taught her about floral arrangements. After transitioning to Cotton Funeral Services, where she arranged flowers for over 20 years, Sheaun decided it was time to pursue her own venture. “I want to be like a familiar face, a household name,” she expressed, envisioning a future where customers would readily recommend her services.

She named her business after her mother, Sarah Jane “Madonna” Barnes, who passed away in January at the age of 78. The shop features a large photo of Madonna, and its décor incorporates a butterfly theme, symbolizing life and transformation. Sheaun acknowledges the artistic legacy that her mother left behind, stating, “My legacy starts with her, so it’s just from her down to me, and then I’ll try to pass it down to the rest of my family.”

In the establishment of Madonna’s Garden, Sheaun received crucial support from her brother, Stoney Barnes, who assisted with construction and deliveries. “I’m very proud of her,” Stoney said. “She did a great job with it. I [worked] with her every step of the way, and I hope it’s successful.”

Local business owners also expressed their enthusiasm for the new flower shop. Willie J. Williams, owner of Engraver’s Bench & Greek Unique, has been a part of the neighborhood for 25 years and welcomed the arrival of a new Black-owned business. “I’ve seen a lot of places come and go since I’ve been here and she looks like a winner,” he remarked.

Madonna’s Garden is poised to become a staple in the Newark community, offering not just floral arrangements but also a heartfelt tribute to family, resilience, and entrepreneurship. As Sheaun embarks on this new chapter, her commitment to quality service and community connection is sure to resonate with customers and neighbors alike.