Meet Your Neighbor: Homegrown Studio Florist, Christopher Skerritt

Another young entrepreneur has set up shop in Woodfords Corner and business is blooming. Christopher Skerritt, owner of C.M. Skerrit Designs, provides floral design services for weddings, corporate events, dinner parties, custom planters, and other special occasions. 

Skerritt has deep roots in Woodfords Corner, having grown up in Portland on Ocean Avenue. After earning his Bachelor of Arts in Landscape Design from the University of Maine, Skerritt went off to practice and improve his craft in Boston (Winston Flowers), South Portland (Vose Smith), and nearby Woodfords Corner (Fleur De Lis). What sets Skerritt apart from ordinary florists is his unique combination of a background in horticulture, passion for natural beauty, and eye for artistry. Finally it was time for him to open his own studio. C.M. Skerritt Design opened its doors in 2018. 

Skerritt’s history in Woodfords Corner makes his business location even more amazing. His floral studio is located in the old site of Custom Cut, where he used to get his haircut as a child.  Proud to own a business in Woodfords Corner, Skerritt says, “Its the history of growing up in the neighborhood. It’s really kind of fun to think that I grew up so close and now my business is here.” Skerritt’s story is a prime example of successful small business turnover. Simple renovations and a fresh design aesthetic was all that was needed to turn the barbershop into an elegant and stylish floral studio. Three years in, Skerritt’s business is blossoming. He worked 15 weddings last season, and is on pace for 20 more this year. According to Skerritt, “The wedding culture is booming. They all want to get married here, which is great. [Maine is] a hot destination to get married. As a wedding florist that’s what you want.”

Skerritt’s production area and consulting space. The studio is located at 47 Ocean Ave, Portland, ME 04103.

As for his location in Woodfords Corner, Skerritt could not be happier, “you can see the Corner from here. It’s just a great neighborhood. In the summer time we have our window boxes planted up, everyone walks by and takes photos of the flowers. It’s a really nice community.” Growing up in the area, Skerritt has a good sense of the changes taking place in Woodfords Corner too, “the past five year alone, the Corner is changing so much, and I think in a positive direction.” Skerritt added, “Woodfords Corner is changing for the good in a lot of ways, good to see new businesses coming into the area. It's finally starting to evolve for the better.” What really surprised him is the walkability of Woodfords Corner, “I was unaware until I spent a good amount of time here, just how many people walk by. The walkability is crazy to me the amount of people you see everyday.” 

Skerritt says “flowers are good for your soul”. Friends of Woodfords Corner could not agree more. We are incredibly lucky to have Skerritt back in our community and so proud of the success his floral studio is experiencing right here in Woodfords Corner. 

Check out C.M. Skerritt Designs online and on social media (@cmskerrittdesigns), photos of his work are beyond gorgeous.