Katie reclines on the vintage couch at Botanicals. CHRONICLE TIMES photos by DOLORES CULLEN
“I joke, if I could, I would work at the North Pole,” says Katie Westphal, owner of “Botanicals” in Cherokee. Her business is filled with fun holiday merchandise.
Everything from Christmassy sleigh bells to Peace On Earth mugs look right at home amongst Katie’s eclectic collection of botanical-inspired home decor, gifts, eco-friendly home goods and trendy plants and pots.
Botanicals is located in the handsome Brummer Building at 103 E. Main St. in Cherokee.
Botanicals was the first business to move into the historic Brummer Building on Main Street. The building, which is being renovated, retains its old-fashioned character, complete with high, metal textured ceilings.
The move occurred in April. Now Botanicals has more space than in its former location.
Katie worked as the floral manager at Hy-Vee before starting her own business. She still arranges flowers for funerals and weddings, but it is not the main thrust of Botanicals.
Aurelia roots
Katie grew up in Aurelia and graduated from Aurelia High School in 1997.
She credits her grandmother Caite Bohnmam with the direction she has taken.
“Caite was naturally an artist,” she says. “She molded me into accepting that part of myself. We made homemade paper, we made pressed flowers and bead necklaces.”
She would have Katie and the other grandchildren write poetry.
In fact Katie was named for her grandmother.
Today Caite, a longtime Aurelian, lives in the Acura nursing home in Cherokee. She loves to visit Botanicals when she is able.
Katie was also close to her grandfather Cliff Bonham. He died eight years ago. It was her wish to open her store two years ago on Nov. 12 – his birthday.
Candles are displayed near this peaceful fellow.
The wind chimes hanging on the tree outside her building tinkle in his memory. They are from the cemetery where Cliff is buried.
She will forever be grateful to her grandparents for teaching her the names of flowers.
Zodiac perfume, incense, teas, birth flower necklaces, macramé hangings and more make Botanicals a unique stop when shopping in Cherokee.
“The things I sell in the store relate back to nature in some way,” says Katie. “I strive to create earthy moods and good vibes.”
Decorative signs will catch your attention too. There’s a favorite that Katie says her grandma would especially approve of: “The world needs who you were made to be.”
The huge wooden door to the shop is inviting.
Katie with her daughters Alli and Ava and grandmother Caite Bonhan with a pressed flower creation. Alli often helps her mom at the store. This photo comes from Katie’s mom Carri Bonham.
Katie with a 70s-era chair that came from her grandmother Caite Bonham.