Violas & Roses Gift Shop supports entrepreneurs and local artists including the makers of Loon Chocolates in Manchester and note cards from Earth Sky + Water in Wilton. Photo by LORETTA JACKSON

NASHUA – Michele Canto, owner of Nashua’s Violas & Roses Gift Shop, named for the family’s daughters — Stephanie Viola and Samantha Rose — launched her floral business in 2015 with the support of her husband, Ed Canto.

She extends here a thanks to the readers and sponsors of The Telegraph’s 2025 “Best of Greater Nashua” campaign, one that enables thousands in the region to cast votes recognizing excellence among more than 100 categories of businesses.

“You can do lots to promote your business but when results were published it was satisfying to see we were named the winners of “Best Gift Shop,” said Canto of the Nashua shop open daily at 120 Amherst St., between Milano’s Pizza and Pan Asia Restaurant.

The full-service florist and gift shop includes a teaching classroom. The shop also offers a variety of local items including Loon Chocolate from Manchester and lavender products from the lavender fields at Pumpkin Blossom Farm’s 14 acres in Warren. Note cards from Earth Sky + Water in Wilton are designed by artists.

The Violas & Roses Gift Shop is headquartered in a red brick house. Off-street parking is available. A spacious classroom supports learning opportunities for floral design workshops and art classes taught by the artistic Michele or talented associates.

Michele Canto welcomes visits to her award-winning family business, Violas & Roses Gift Shop, 120 Amherst St., a red brick vintage building located between Milano's Pizza and Pan Asia Restaurant. Photo by LORETTA JACKSON

A local artist whose work is supported at the shop will present a beginning watercolor class on March 11 that will focus on spring tulips.

A gathering on March 15 will utilize delicate china to create tiered serving trays.

An assembly on April 2 will showcase the making of an elaborate Easter Floral Centerpiece with an abundance of vibrant posies and seasonal decorations.

The sharing of artistic talent, floral expertise and support for local industry extends into a proven record of philanthropy from the Canto family. Gifts, flowers and funds have graced the Nashua Children’s Home and Webster House in Manchester, practices inspired by a local foster family.

More information on “Best of Greater Nashua” category winner — Violas & Roses Gift Shop — can be had online at violasandroses.com. Contact by email is welcome via violasandroses@gmail. Phone is 603-577-7044.

Michele Canto, owner of Violas & Roses Gift Shop in Nashua — the Winner of the Gift Shop Category in the 2025 "Best of Greater Nashua" readers' choice contest recently published — extends a sincere thank you to the voters and to the staff of The Telegraph, sponsor of the full-color supplement that also commends finalists and runners-up. Photo by LORETTA JACKSON

Unique among the favorites at Violas & Roses Gift Shop are lavender soy candles and simple syrups crafted from the many varieties of lavender grown in the extensive lavender fields at Pumpkin Blossom Farm in Warner. Photo by LORETTA JACKSON

Violas & Roses owner Michele Canto designs a floral arrangement for a corporate event at her full-service flower and gift shop, one that also carries a wide variety of locally made products. Photo by LORETTA JACKSON