Seemingly intent to single-handedly defy the stereotypical preconceptions often made about “young people today” — then-17-year-old Hannah Araujo found herself opening the door to Victoria’s Flowers at 606 Metacom Ave. in Warren in the midst of the first stretch of the Covid pandemic in 2020 and flatly asked if they needed help.

She didn’t know the owner, but her grandmother (a native Bristolian) did. A couple weeks later, she had built up enough trust that she was left to run the store by herself when Elizabeth Almeida, who owned the shop for the past 24 years, took a trip to Florida to visit family. Just a couple years later, in January of 2023, Araujo was signing paperwork as the new rightful owner of the shop.

“It was a little stressful,” Araujo, now 20, recalled with a laugh reflecting on the whirlwind that resulted in her owning a flower shop with a history that exceeds the total number of years she’s spent on Earth.

“I went to Roger Williams for pharmacy and I hated it,” she said. “So a business was not in my thoughts when graduating high school.”

Araujo ultimately wound up at the Bristol County Agricultural High School (Bristol Aggie) in Dighton, Mass., where she discovered her love for floriculture. After picking up some tricks from Almeida, she found herself loving the hustle and bustle of running the shop when she was left to fend for herself.

Today, Araujo is thankfully not fully fending for herself. Her mother helps her out each day, with her father performing deliveries over the weekend, and her sisters and boyfriend lend a hand as well through odd tasks or referrals. Her grandmother’s ties to Bristol have also helped her through word of mouth to bring in clients from the local area.

The shop offers an array of uniquely crafted bouquets and arrangements. Araujo said their primary business is funerals, but during her interview she was putting in work to prepare for Mt. Hope High School’s graduation, and was preparing for a wedding over the weekend.

Araujo admits it’s not common for a 20-year-old to be a business owner, but revels in the ability to spread happiness through her talent and passion, even in some of the hardest times for people.

“Flower shops are really recession-proof. Someone is always passing away or getting married, it’s always someone’s anniversary or birthday,” she said. “I like that I’m able to bring joy into peoples’ lives. We specialize in funerals, so being able to bring joy into peoples’ lives at their saddest moments brings me joy.”

Victoria’s Flowers is located at 606 Metacom Ave. in Warren. You can browse their selection in-store or at their website, VictoriasFlowers.net. You can call ahead at 401-245-8700.