OAK CREEK — For Lora Reichley, the nature of her Oak Creek business is ever growing and evolving. 

She started out a decade ago as a wedding planner in Steamboat Springs. Then she began focusing on flowers.

One Valentine’s Day about six years ago, she made 40 arrangements and distributed them around Oak Creek. They readily sold, and Reichley decided she wanted to try retail.

Five years ago, she opened Last Call Floral and Events. 

Starting with very little, Reichley built the shop into a thriving business and was able to buy the building on Main Street two years ago.

When she first opened the doors, Reichley was a very busy mom, with a 5-month-old and a 2- and 4-year-old at home. She gives much credit to a very supportive husband, as well as being raised by parents in the retail business.

Today, in addition to coordinating every aspect of weddings and events across Routt County, Reichley and her “A Team” operate the store and flower tent across the street. They also set up and decorate Christmas trees. 

She employs six women who all live in South Routt and describe themselves as friends who work hard and have a lot of fun doing it. 

Chelsea Pappas, who has worked for Reichley for several years, calls her boss “really creative and motivated” as well as forward looking, always setting goals and looking for ways to improve the business.

Reichley works to earn her clientele.

“We shop for our community,” she said, in addition to to encouraging visitors. 

She’s also known for bringing a personalized touch to her weddings and using her intuition and attention to detail to reflect the individuality of the bride and groom.

Pappas said Reichley consistently focuses on things she can do for the community. 

She started Oaktoberfest, a family-centered nonprofit festival now heading into its fifth year. The event combines a celebration of Oak Creek’s history with Halloween, amid the traditional German-inspired festivities.

“I’ve always wanted to part of a community,” Reichley said.