Life & Work with Shannon Mason of Old Town

Today we’d like to introduce you to Shannon Mason.

Hi Shannon, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
In May of 2019, Caitlin’s mom passed away from a rare cancer that she had been battling on and off for over a decade. Cathy- the other “C” in CC’s – was full of life. She bursted at the seams with it and taught everyone around her to live and appreciate every day, even the mundane ones. She taught us that in life, bad things happen, but that doesn’t make life bad. It just makes it, well, life. So when Caitlin moved back to Fort Collins in the fall of 2019, jobless and coming off a really hard year, getting the idea to start a flower truck was just the light at the end of the tunnel she needed. Starting this endeavor has reminded her how important it is to appreciate both the good and the bad that life brings; and it brings comfort knowing that her mom will be with her every step of the way. Sometimes a simple flower is all someone needs to turn things around and remind them to smile again.
After launching the flower truck and seeing both its magic and its limitations, Caitlin knew it was time to grow. She expanded CC’s Flowers into a brick-and-mortar flower shop—crisp, modern, and intentionally different from the stuffy, traditional florists she’d grown up around. With the new space located at Jessup Farm came new possibilities—and the need for more hands to help run the store and bring events to life.
In the summer of 2022, Caitlin turned to social media and posted a part-time floral designer position. That’s when Shannon entered the story.
For her interview, Shannon brought flowers she’d grown in her own backyard cut flower garden—thoughtful, intentional, and a little wild in the best way. It didn’t take long for Caitlin to recognize that Shannon’s background—as a teacher of floral design at the University of Arkansas and a side-hustling flower grower—was the perfect fit.
And so, Shannon’s journey with CC’s Flowers began.
Over the months that followed, Shannon became more than a designer—she became a creative partner, a steady presence, and someone who shared the same vision: to build a flower business rooted in connection, care, and a little everyday magic.
In the fall of 2024, Shannon became co-owner of CC’s Flowers when Caitlin was presented with an opportunity that called for a partner. Knowing Shannon had previously expressed interest in deeper involvement, Caitlin tossed out a wild idea—and Shannon caught it. Within a week, papers were signed, silly reels were filmed, and plans were in motion to bring CC’s Flowers to Old Town Fort Collins.
Stepping into ownership felt like both a big leap and a natural next step for Shannon. Her path had been winding—teacher, grower, designer—but every chapter had led back to flowers. The choice was made easier knowing that she had Caitlin to lean on. And like each flower handed out from the truck or wrapped behind the both shop’s counters, this moment bloomed right on time.
Now, Caitlin and Shannon—along with their dedicated team—carry on the mission of CC’s Flowers: to spread peace, love, and flowers at both locations and throughout Northern Colorado in Leon, the beloved dusty blue VW flower truck. From supporting local organizations like FoCo Cafe, Animal Friends Alliance, and SAVA, to filling the shops with fresh blooms, bringing wedding visions to life, and enjoying visits from our most loyal supporters (you know who you are!), every day brings something new. Whether it’s prepping for events or taking Leon out for a pop-up, these two wouldn’t have it any other way.
(This is the story we’ve used for our business. Caitlin did an interview with you when she started the truck.)
I’ll add that I also still hold a full time job at CSU as an instructor in Horticulture where I teach a large introductory course in the department. I love hearing stories from students that I’ve inspired them to start a garden, buy a houseplant or even change their major. I try to make the course light and fun while still challenging students to really understand how plants grow and how important they are to our world.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Like any growing business we’ve had challenges. Our business requires our employees to have a customer service driven personality and skills to work with a perishable product. We have to educate our customers and be efficient in design skills. It can be challenging to train employees and not scare them off. You have to really love flowers to be able to hang with us. We are on our feet and hustling. Juggling a small staff and product between two locations requires a lot of communication and is challenging. As an owner, it’s hard to disconnect. Although I do still occasionally get away, it’s been a big change for me, being tied down. (I’m writing this from a coffee shop in Downtown Athens,GA waiting for a Billy Strings show tonight!!!) I guess. the struggles boil down to time, I need more time to get everything done.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I graduated twice from Texas A&M University. I have Master’s degree in Floriculture. I’ve been a high school biology teacher, a greenhouse grower, stay at home mom, recruiter, and a university instructor. I love teaching but have always had an entrepreneurial spirit. I joined CC’s Flowers as a designer to satisfy and the creative side of me. Before moving to Colorado, my family and I lived in Fayetteville, AR and there I taught a floral design course at the University of Arkansas. CSU unfortunately doesn’t offer a similar course so I teach a heavy science course. I missed the creative side, so I started working part time for CC’s. It took a few years but when Caitlin called me with an opportunity to join her and open another location, it took me about 24 hours to say, yes. We’ve been joined at the hip and hustling ever since that day.

What are your plans for the future?
We are keeping our future plans close to the vest, because we are big dreamers and wouldn’t want to jinx anything.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://ccsflowersfortcollins.com
• Instagram: @ccsflowertruck
• Facebook: CC’s Flower Truck

Image Credits
Natalie Dyer Photography