Virginia woman starts business as teen which continues to blossom with partnerships

BLUEFIELD, VA. (WVVA) –

Stella Gunter, owner of Narrgate Greenhouses and Floral, has turned her passion for floral creation into a successful business.

In December of 2022, at only 19-years-old, Gunter opened the doors to her shop, offering diverse arrangements for weddings, florals, formal events, and school functions.

“I love Graham High School, but I was definitely not prepared straight out of high school,” said Gunter. “I had to learn everything on my own as far as opening a business.”

Gunter reflects the reaction she gets from many who hear of her journey.

“People tell me all the time, ‘that had to have been so hard and all these other things. But I tell everyone, I feel like it’s as difficult no matter what age you’re doing it at. I just chose to do it a little younger.’”

When she’s not filling flower orders, Gunter is a student athlete for the women’s golf team at Bluefield University. She talked to us about balancing the schedule of being a young business owner and full-time student.

“Especially in my hometown, it’s great to know everyone and where I came right out of high school when I started my business. It was a lot at first. I played golf full time at Southwest Community College. It was an amazing experience there. I graduated from there this year and now I’m going to be playing golf for Bluefield University.”

In hopes to give back to the community she grew up in, Gunter also provides all the landscaping for Town Hall and the Saunders House in Bluefield, Virginia.

Town clerk, Lori Stacey talked to us about the creative value that young business owners bring to the area.

“Young entrepreneurs are so inspirational. They give the whole business environment so much energy and they come up with the best ideas,” said Stacy

“So even if you feel like your business is maybe a little stale, it’s almost like they have these fantastic ways of keeping your business relevant.”

Located at 201 Furnace Street in Bluefield, Virginia the young businesswoman is truly grateful for her small town.

“I’d say working with the community and being able to provide a service that makes people happy is a really important part of why I do this,” said Gunter.

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