Today, we get to meet Kate Fenstermacher, owner of Bough and Bend Floral.

From her roots in Barnes and Warren to launching one of downtown’s newest creative spaces, Kate Fenstermacher is a local entrepreneur with a heart full of purpose and petals.

A graduate of Sheffield High School, Kate never expected to plant her adult life back in her hometown. But after living across the U.S. and even a stint in Europe, she found her way home–and fell in love with Warren all over again.

“I didn’t think that I would land permanently back in my hometown as an adult, but I’m so glad I did! I have such a deep appreciation for Warren and grow to love it more each day,” she says.

Photos submitted to the Times Observer Pictured are some of the blooms that were made at Bough and Bend.

Kate is the owner of Bough and Bend Floral, a thoughtfully curated flower and gift shop located in downtown Warren. Opening its doors in October 2024, the shop is the realization of a long-held dream. With a background in art and environmental science from Chatham University, Kate spent years exploring different creative paths until she found her true medium: floral design.

“I’ve always been a creative person. I love working with my hands and connecting people with nature, and those two passions came together in floral design,” she explains.

Before stepping into business ownership, Kate spent eight years as a recreation technician with the U.S. Forest Service based out of the Bradford Ranger Station, where she continues to serve the public and promote the appreciation of local natural resources.

Kate’s connection to flowers runs deep.

“My love of flowers and nature began very early. My grandparents and family kept beautiful gardens, and I grew up playing outdoors every day. Being in nature is where I feel most at home,” she said.

At Bough and Bend Floral, that early inspiration has grown into a welcoming, joyful space. The shop features a stem bar for customers to build their own bouquets, ready-to-go floral arrangements, and dried flowers. The flower offerings change weekly and are sourced locally and within the U.S. whenever possible, in line with Kate’s commitment to seasonality and sustainability.

Beyond flowers, Bough and Bend Floral also carries handmade goods by local artisans, including candles, cards, jewelry, puzzles, stickers, artwork, and more.

“We aim to spread joy through our community, one flower at a time,” Fenstermacher said.

Outside of her business, Kate enjoys spending time with her husband, Dan, and their dog, Scout. The trio enjoys walks, birding, and soaking in nature together. Kate also loves crafting with friends, thrifting, and expressing her personality through fashion – most of her wardrobe is thrifted.

Kate serves on the board of the Crary Art Gallery, a role she describes as both a joy and a learning experience. Her involvement reflects a continued commitment to enriching Warren’s cultural landscape.

Opening Bough and Bend Floral stands as one of Kate’s proudest life milestones.

“Beyond finding and marrying my best friend Dan, I would say taking the leap to open my own business has been my biggest milestone. I had a clear vision of the shop for many years… and with the help of the WCCBI, I opened the doors within three months. It really is a dream come true.”

Bough and Bend Floral offers custom arrangements, wedding and event floral design, and online ordering through its website. Whether you’re stopping in for a stem, planning a special event, or just looking to share a little joy, Kate and her team are ready to help.

For more information or to explore the shop, visit Bough and Bend Floral online or in person in downtown Warren.

As Kate continues to grow her business and nurture her ties to Warren, she remains deeply rooted in the values that shaped her.

“Everything is connected. Every flower tells a story. I’m just lucky enough to help share them,” she said.