Newark Celebrates Opening of Black Woman-Owned Floral Shop

Newark, New Jersey, welcomed a new addition to its downtown area with the opening of Madonna’s Garden, a floral shop owned by local entrepreneur Sheaun Barnes. The grand opening took place on September 15, marking a significant milestone in Barnes’s journey as a business owner and celebrating her commitment to the community.

From Vision to Reality

Located on Raymond Boulevard, Madonna’s Garden occupies the site of a former barbershop, just a stone’s throw from Rutgers University-Newark. The shop’s opening was a culmination of decades of preparation and hard work by Barnes, who has been involved in the floral industry since her youth. The festive launch included close friends and family, food, champagne, and live music performed by her daughter, Chaancé, a professional singer.

During the opening ceremony, Shennel Barnes, Sheaun’s niece, expressed the significance of the day: “Today is more than a grand opening. It is the unveiling of a dream, 35 years in the making. A dream rooted in love, watered by hard work, and blossoming right before our eyes.” This sentiment encapsulates the spirit of the store, which offers a variety of floral arrangements, including button daisies, hybrid lilies, alstroemerias, and roses in multiple colors.

A Legacy of Artistry and Community

Sheaun Barnes, at 55 years old, has spent over 30 years as an event planner, helping to organize various occasions from weddings to baby showers. She aims to create a familiar presence in the community, aspiring to become a go-to name for floral arrangements. “I want to be like a familiar face, a household name, and in like, a year’s time, people will say, ‘Oh, you need flowers. Go to Sheaun,’” she said.

The shop’s name pays tribute to her late mother, Sarah Jane “Madonna” Barnes, who passed away at the age of 78 in January. A large photograph of Madonna adorns the store, which features a butterfly theme as a nod to her mother’s artistic influence. “She left a lot of artistry in the family. So my legacy starts with her,” Sheaun remarked, emphasizing her desire to pass down this legacy to future generations.

Sheaun’s brother, Stoney Barnes, has played a crucial role in the establishment of Madonna’s Garden, assisting with construction and logistics, including deliveries. “I’m very proud of her. She did a great job with it,” Stoney said, reflecting on their collaboration throughout the process.

Local business owner Willie J. Williams, who runs the neighboring shop, Engraver’s Bench & Greek Unique, expressed enthusiasm for the new business. “I’ve seen a lot of places come and go since I’ve been here, and she looks like a winner,” he noted, highlighting the importance of supporting Black-owned businesses in the area.

As Madonna’s Garden begins its journey in Newark, it stands as a testament to the resilience and creativity of its owner. Sheaun Barnes’s vision for her floral shop not only honors her family’s legacy but also aims to enrich the community with beauty and connections through floral artistry.