Photos courtesy of Au Ciel & More
Led by a longtime floral designer and her niece, the Westchester shop offers floral arrangements and local and international treasures.
While the pandemic slammed many business owners, some, like Minoo Hersini, learned to adapt to a new biz model. Hersini had owned her flower business, Au Ciel, for more than 38 years, first in Scarsdale, then in Irvington, where she had rented part of the space for events. During the pandemic, both her flower business and ability to rent space were adversely affected. The veteran floral designer, alongside niece Nilou Safinya, decided to repurpose the former event space as a lifestyle boutique and darling gift shop that complements the floral company. Au Ciel Flowers & More (50 S Buckhout St), offers floral arrangements and handpicked internationally and locally sourced products. Think dish towels from India, luxe baby clothes from England, pottery from Tarrytown’s Connor McGinn, and yoga and meditation accessories from Irvington-based brand Yogamere.
A longtime Irvington resident, Hersini states there were not many gift shops in the Rivertown before she debuted the “& More” portion of her store, and now it serves as a unique spot to purchase a greeting card, gift for baby, or trinket for one who seems to have it all.
