“Always be yourself, express yourself, and have faith in yourself. Do not go out and look for a successful personality and duplicate it,” (Bruce Lee).
Hunter Bonner may only be 21 years old, but he has already found a successful career where he is able to express and be himself.
“I’m the owner of M&M Florist in Quitman,” stated Hunter. “I also have a design and event company called Hunt Design Co. where I do my wedding, events, and Christmas decorating.”
Growing up, Hunter had planned to be something else, and he never imagined he would be so successful with his new business at such a young age.
“I always dabbled in decorating at my church and doing showers and weddings for my family long before I had any teaching or training. This has always been a dream of mine,” explained Hunter. “When I was around six or seven, I would have told you that I wanted to be an anesthesiologist. In high school, I wanted to be a physical therapist. I went to MCC and obtained my Associate’s Degree in my original career path of health sciences. I don’t really know when I knew that wasn’t what I was supposed to be doing in life. It wasn’t an overnight thing. It was something that was just a complete blessing to me. I would never have guessed five years ago that I would have been an owner of a small business in our town along with Hunt Design Co.!”
When Hunter was only helping with decorating his church, different members at the church helped to encourage and inspire him. His church could easily see his potential.
“I was fortunate enough to have the best family, friends, bosses, and coworkers teach me everything I know!” exclaimed Hunter. “Several of the ladies of my church, Elim Baptist Church, have always told me, ‘One day you will own a florist of your own.’ Two of those ladies were Mrs. Glenda Graham and Mrs. Eva Nell Davis. I was so thankful for their teaching and patience, and I always followed them and other ladies around when they were decorating for events or Christmas! Thankfully, they could see the potential that I had and put up with me.”
He first started with the florist by working for Ashlea.
“I started working at the florist on January 3, 2017. Ashlea, the previous owner, let me come help take down Christmas. I even remember we had McDonald’s for lunch that day. She told me as soon as I got my license I would be able to come help,” recalled Hunter. “When I first started out, it was not in designing. I started out sweeping, taking out the trash, cleaning and filling up buckets, filling water picks, spraying paint stands, delivering, and getting in the way mostly. I know you always start at the bottom, and I can certainly say that I did. I am thankful for the experience because it was the basis that led me to where I am today. I remember my first Valentines that next month and coming in after school and sweeping. I was told that it wouldn’t help much because they would keep making messes all night. I will forever be grateful for Ashlea that she would see just the little potential in me and what I could be.”
Later, Hunter started working alongside Georgia and came to the point he’s at today.
“I took the summer off and began working with Georgia. I am so thankful for Georgia. She is who pushed me even more to become who I am today. She saw the same potential that Ashlea did,” expressed Hunter. “Now, it definitely took lots of teaching, but with her and the other employees and those who are now my employees, I am beyond thankful and blessed to be where I am today. I know that there are not many people at my age of 21 who are blessed to be in the position I have. I am so thankful and honored to be able to continue this legendary business of 53 years—a business that started in 1968! This business is a well-recognized and respected gem of this community. This community is blessed with two wonderful florists and many others that are surrounding this area.”
Now that he owns M&M Florist, Hunter does everything he can to find the best items he can for the people of Clarke County. He loves his job, and that is what makes him so great at what he does. Hunter only wants to help others and provide the best for all of his customers.
“I truly enjoy every single aspect of my job as a florist and shopkeeper. There isn’t a part that I don’t enjoy 100 percent. I love researching the newest trends, planning the next season, designing displays for the storefront, working with fresh flowers, making wreaths, the Christmas season, my amazing employees, and our community!” declared Hunter. “I am always pushing the creativity and researching the hottest trends to have the most up-to-date work, most creative design, and gifts for you. We enjoy going to Atlanta Market every year to find and seek out these ideas and new brands for you.”
Although Hunter loves his job, he also enjoys doing some different activities outside of work.
“When I’m not at the shop, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends! I enjoy a binge on Netflix. My top three shows are Outlander, Scandel, and Money Heist. Watch these if you never have!” stated Hunter. “I also enjoy a good nap, which is sometimes rare these days! Give me an antique store or Dirt Cheap, and I will look for days. I am always game for a road trip too! Being in the kitchen baking is rare these days too, but I do enjoy baking new recipes on the weekends for Sunday lunch at my Nana’s!”
As a small business owner, it is no surprise that Hunter has the following advice for everyone.
“Always remember these small businesses when you need fresh flowers, a gift for someone, or sympathy arrangements and gifts!” advised Hunter. “Your support is what helps small businesses and shops keep the doors open. Keep your local economy thriving and give them all of your support! Engage with them on social media, and give them a call or stop by and see them in person! We are here to help and serve you, and we are thankful for our wonderful community of Clarke County!”
