Little Moments Inspire Big Dream, 'Labor Of Love' For Frankfort Native

FRANKFORT, IL — Angela Jensen has always relished in celebrating life's little moments.

She can still picture her childhood, filled with joy and moments marking occasions with her family.

"I've always loved celebrating happy moments in life," Jensen said, recalling one childhood memory, in particular. "... when Dad got a promotion, we did a happy dance at the dinner table!

"... I love celebrating moments in life."

Her passion for positivity carried over into adulthood. After years as a financial analyst in the corporate space, the 28-year-old Frankfort native and Providence Catholic HS alum found a deeper inspiration in the bright spots.

"I went to a corporate networking event, they had insane flower installations," Jensen said. "I decided I wanted to do that."

She messaged the florist from the event, and asked if they could help her learn. Soon she began dabbling in floral design, learning on the fly.

"People like free help, and good help. I was just thrown into the trenches," Jensen said. Based in Austin, Texas at the time, she worked for several different florists.

"I kept a note in my phone, kept notes after every event, added something I learned," she said. "I literally learned on the job. I said, ‘I think I can actually do this.’"

She mulled the idea of a career change. Ultimately, her boyfriend Logan Plantz nudged her.

"Logan told me to not be a wimp, and take a chance on myself," Jensen said. "I got promoted, and that week actually I quit my job."

After family circumstances moved them back home, Jensen took the idea a step further. She knew she wanted to open up shop, and the location was a given.

"It was always Frankfort," she said.

Jensen ticked off ways the village's quaint downtown had played into her life. She adopted her puppy on Breidert Green in 2017, she and Plantz share date nights and special occasions at the downtown restaurants.

"Downtown Frankfort is everything for us," she said.

She eyed a building at 122 Kansas Street for her budding business—aptly named Moment In Time—adjacent to where Cactus Carol's once stood. Most recently, the space was GloryBee giftshop. A space with deep history and character, it also needed a decent bit of work, Jensen said. She purchased it in March 2023, and spent eight months renovating.

"It was a project of blood, sweat of tears because it’s a 200-year-old building," Jensen said. "We did a lot of it ourselves. It was truly a labor of love.

"... It’s just amazing it got to work out, and we got to make this investment in the building and the history of it all."

The store opened in November 2023, with its ribbon-cutting and grand opening held in February.

It's been a whirlwind, but she's soaking up every minute. The store serves as a full-service florist with daily delivery, offering bouquets for every occasion includingweddings, showers, birthdays, and everything in between. The retail section offers plants, party decor, gifts, greeting cards, and ready to go, pre-made bouquets. Jensen also offers classes for those looking to play with floral design.

"People see it’s a store of ‘happy,'" Jensen said. "People say they walk in here and love it because it makes them happy."

Jensen hopes to be there for customers' significant moments, even those of grief.

"The merchandise that we have is supposed to be for different moments of your life." she said. "... Getting married, spending time with your friends, losing someone you love.

"Everything we do is about a moment—huge or major, or more day-to-day."

Jensen particularly loves working on shower events—bridal and baby.

"I love that there’s a ton of different routes to go," she said. "I love that both of them are anticipatory in nature. They’re both waiting for this exciting thing, and celebrating the whole process."

Her business allows her to tap into her creative side.

"I love getting creative. ... I really get to have fun with it," she said. "We’ve done pink bridal showers 100 different ways.

"You can lean into the client. You get to know these clients, work with them in the future. Their wedding, then they have their baby, then their baptism.

"It’s exciting in that way, too."

Jensen, whose father owns a franchise of Batteries Plus, says she gets some of this from him.

"It’s in my genes."

Moment In Time is located at 122 Kansas St., in Frankfort. Hours are Tuesday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday and Sunday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The store is closed on Mondays. You can find them on Facebook and Instagram, for examples of Jensen's work and other updates.

Photos by Meg Elise Photography, Wedding and Portrait Photographer, megelisephoto.com.