Wylie Flower & Gift: Carrying Forward a 77-Year Legacy Rooted in Wylie
For nearly eight decades, Wylie Flower & Gift has been woven into the fabric of the local community, marking life’s most joyful celebrations, offering comfort during times of loss, and serving as a constant presence along Ballard Avenue in historic downtown Wylie. Today, that legacy continues under the ownership of Destinie and David Lacy, who officially took the reins of Wylie’s oldest retail business on New Year’s Day 2025.
Why Wylie?
Destinie, who grew up in East Texas, was looking to make a change. She met her husband, David, just before leaving the Air Force and soon transitioned into a fast-paced career in advertising. It wasn’t long before she felt the pull to slow down and find a job that felt more purpose-driven and rooted in community.
“Grad school sharpened my vision of owning a community-rooted business—we even nearly bought a family-owned Dallas pizza shop,” says Destinie. “But at the last minute, I told my husband, ‘I don’t want to live in Dallas.’ I longed for the tight-knit small-town feel of my East Texas upbringing.” That desire ultimately led them to Wylie.
In August of 2023, the couple found themselves in Wylie, enjoying lunch at the ever-popular Ballard Street Café. They were immediately enamored with the charm of downtown Wylie. As it turned out, that lunch on Ballard would change their lives.
“David found the listing for the flower shop before we’d even paid our bill,” says Destinie, who had never worked with flowers before and had no experience as a florist in any way. She wasn’t sure it was the right move. “At first, I said, ‘absolutely not’—it felt impossible to execute a move, buy a house, and a business in the same year.” As it turns out, it wasn’t impossible at all.
While Destinie had her doubts, David was consistent in his support for the move. “For months, he kept sending me the listing, until we finally visited the shop in the summer of 2024,” recounts Destinie. “A young designer with pink hair gave my toddler my favorite flower, and it felt serendipitous.” This wasn’t the only serendipitous experience that pointed the Lacys to the flower shop. After learning it was for sale and falling in love with Wylie, Destinie had seen a Wylie Flower & Gift delivery van roll past her one day at lunch miles away from Wylie. She took it these experiences as signs. Destinie messaged Pamela Wells, the owner at the time, and shortly thereafter found herself in Pam’s home office discussing the possibility of buying the shop from her.
Carrying Forward a Legacy
Pamela Wells, attorney, owner of Wells Rentals LLC, and previous owner of Wylie Flower & Gift, has deep roots in the business and in Wylie itself. A pillar in the Wylie business community, Pam and her flower shop have received accolades from local organizations over the years. In 2008, the Wylie Flower Shop was named Business of the Year by the Wylie Chamber of Commerce, and over the years Pam and the shop went on to receive multiple awards from Baylor University, Wylie Rotary Club, and more. In 2025, Pam was the winner of the inaugural TrailblazHER award, presented by the Wylie Area Chamber of Commerce.
The flower shop’s history dates back to 1948, when it was opened by Mrs. Paul Stimson. It changed hands in 1954 when it was purchased by Mrs. Lou Prince, and then again in 1959 when it was purchased by Jack and Mary Parker. In 1961 it founds its long-term home when Pam’s parents, Martha Ann and Bobby King, bought the shop and made it the family business.
Pam says, “I was taken from the Wylie Hospital to the flower shop shortly after I was born.” Her childhood memories of the shop run deep, and she remembers being raised in the shop until it was time for her to leave for college in 1982.
In 1994, Pam and her husband, Danny, decided to carry on the family legacy and purchased the shop from her parents. For over 30 years, Pam and Danny kept the shop running through expansions, renovations, and even a fire in 1998, always adapting while preserving the heart of the business.
When it came time to pass the torch, Pam knew exactly what she was looking for. “I prayed every day for 5 years for the right person to come along and purchase the shop,” she says.
“There were many people interested, but none were interested in the community involvement, which was one of the requirements on my unwritten list. Destinie Lacy was that person – she has integrity and a deep commitment to giving back to the community. Destinie realized that community is a key factor in running a successful business.”
For Destinie, carrying on this legacy is deeply meaningful, and she acknowledges it’s an incredible honor. “It means stewarding decades of trust and tradition while continuing to serve the community through life’s most meaningful moments. To me, it’s more than flowers—it’s about connection, care, and keeping that small-town spirit alive for future generations.”
Keeping the Business Fresh
Taking over a local institution isn’t without its challenges. The Wylie community knows and loves the flower shop. But while Destinie plans to refresh certain aspects of the business, the heart of Wylie Flower & Gift will remain unchanged.
“I want to preserve the heart of what makes this flower shop so special—truly knowing the people who walk through the door, celebrating their milestones, watching their kids grow up, and being there during their hardest goodbyes. Those relationships are the soul of this business,” says Destinie.
“While I’m updating things like our online presence, gift shop offerings, and expanding community partnerships, I’m committed to keeping that deep sense of connection and continuity at the center of everything we do.” She picked the right city for a business steeped in community, and Destinie recognizes how important the tight bonds forged with local business owners and organizations are to a small business.
“Taking over the flower shop has connected me with a wonderful network of supporters—people who have offered encouragement, guidance, and resources to help me find my footing and move in the right direction.”
Working with the Wylie EDC
Getting involved with local organizations is often key to the success of a small business, and the Lacys have jumped right in. “I’ve been especially grateful for the support of the Wylie Economic Development Corporation, the Wylie Downtown Merchants Association, and the Wylie Area Chamber of Commerce,” says Destinie. “Each has played a key role in helping me understand the local landscape, build relationships, and feel truly welcomed as a new business owner.”
Pam echoes the importance of those relationships. “It is great to have a good relationship with the Wylie EDC, somewhere to call when you need help. When I wanted to renovate the buildings at the corner of Ballard and Marble, the Wylie EDC was willing to help by giving me a grant. It’s a working relationship that helps Wylie continue to have that small hometown feeling, that we are all just trying to better our community for each other.”
