By SANDRA THAMES / Community Columnist

On Main Street (U.S. 31) in the original three-block section of Alabaster is the location of Alabaster Florist. From the outside, it might remind you of sidewalk shopping as in the ‘50s and ‘60s.

When you open the door, you enter a world of not only flowers and plants but gift ideas for every imaginable occasion, décor and personal taste. From beautiful vases and pottery selections to flags, wall enhancements, stuffed animals, infant baby gifts, baskets, cupcake trinkets, picture frames, balloons, crosses, gift bows and many unique items. A wide selection of arrangements are available with Topiaries being owner Linda Faust’s favorite to craft.

As a college student at the University of Montevallo, Faust worked part time for a local florist and loved her job. The florist business stayed in the back of her mind as she went on to Auburn University Montgomery for her masters degree.

Married to her high school sweetheart, Don Faust, for 29 years, they are parents to one daughter, Audra, who is 24.

For many years Faust taught kindergarten, but when Alabaster Florist came on the market 12 years ago, Faust saw the chance to fulfill her passion in the florist business.

When asked to choose her favorite flower, she could not decide.

“Each one is beautiful in it’s own way,” she said.

Most of her customers are regular, repeat customers as they have learned they can trust Faust to make the right decision for their particular needs.

Faust states that her goal in life is to laugh a lot, love deeply, live life to the fullest and enjoy all of God’s blessings.

A member of First Baptist in Alabaster, she also serves on the board at Sav-A-Life Shelby. Along with her successful business, crafts, reading and spending time with her family make Linda Faust a happy person.