By JULIE CARLE
BG Independent News
After 32 years working at the Wood County Courthouse, Linda Cubberley—affectionately known as “Nana”—never imagined she’d one day be running a pop-up flower business out of a vintage truck. But life, as she puts it, has a way of opening new doors just when others close.
Now the owner of Nana’s Wildflower Wagon, Cubberley has traded paperwork and long office days for fresh blooms, smiling customers, and a flexible lifestyle built around joy.
Cubberley’s journey into entrepreneurship wasn’t part of a lifelong plan—it grew out of a search for purpose after retirement. Like many retirees, she found herself wanting to stay active and engaged.
“I went to work at a greenhouse,” she explained, “but my body said, ‘We don’t like the greenhouse this year.’ I was sore, and it made me sad because the greenhouse is such a happy place.”
That disappointment soon turned into opportunity.
Encouraged by her daughter, Cubberley discovered a small flower truck for sale online. Despite weather delays and a long drive to pick it up, everything eventually fell into place. The 1993 Daihatsu Hijet, four-speed manual, was owned by a woman with a floral business in Huron, Ohio. Cubberley was the perfect customer to continue a floral business out of the truck, now lovingly named Gracie.
“With its mileage in kilometers, so I’m never sure how fast I’m going,” but her husband, Doug Cubberley, Wood County Clerk of Courts, assured her she doesn’t drive fast enough to get a ticket.
“It was God closes one door, and another one opens—and that’s exactly what it was,” she said.
Rolling joy, one bouquet at a time
Since launching her business earlier this spring, Cubberley has embraced the spontaneity of pop-up events. From university graduations to local eateries, her charming, turquoise-colored truck has quickly become a magnet for passersby.
“The truck is what draws people in,” she laughed. Her smile helps too.
But it’s not just about selling flowers—it’s about connection.
“I just like talking to people… and seeing the smile on people’s faces,” she said.
One memorable moment came when a woman, grieving the loss of a friend’s pet, stumbled upon the truck while searching for flowers.
On Saturday, another woman, new to Bowling Green, was driving around to familiarize herself with her new community. She and her children saw the truck and decided to stop. A tiny little cat vase with an adorable miniature arrangement caught her eye, which was perfect for her windowsill, she said.
Stories like that remind Cubberley why she started.
“Flowers just make people happy. There’s nothing bad about flowers.”
A business built on flexibility and heart
Unlike traditional retail, Nana’s Wildflower Wagon thrives on flexibility. Cubberley sources her flowers from a wholesale supplier in Toledo. She spends hours crafting arrangements and sets up shop where and when she chooses.
Rather than committing to farmers’ markets—which require growers to produce most of their inventory—she prefers casual pop-ups around town. This approach allows her to balance business with travel and time with family.
“I can work when I want to,” she said. “That’s the beauty of it.”
The BG Art Walk on Saturday was a lovely day to set up shop. She also got the okay to sell flowers during Sunset Bistro’s Mother’s Day brunch on Sunday. It was her second sold-out weekend, just like the weekend before when she was in the First United Methodist Church parking lot across from BGSU’s graduation ceremonies.
Sunset Bistro’s owner Prudy Brott praised Nana’s Wildflower Wagon on Facebook: “What a great idea! Thank you for adding to Mother’s Day over here! Everyone loved that you had flowers available!”
More than just a flower truck
At its core, Nana’s Wildflower Wagon is about more than bouquets—it’s about community, second chances, and finding joy in unexpected places.
From a retired courthouse employee to a small business owner spreading happiness one arrangement at a time, Cubberley’s story is a reminder that it’s never too late to start something new.
And if you happen to spot her vintage truck around town, don’t just admire the flowers—stop by and say hello.
After all, as Nana would say, “Flowers just make people happy.”
