To celebrate a birthday, people sometimes treat themselves to a special gift such as an article of clothing, a piece of jewelry or a concert ticket they would really like. Rena Zeppetelli is fond of flowers, so she bought herself a whole store full of them.

Zeppetelli, who turned 30 this year, is the owner of Rena’s Fine Flowers. For roughly a year, she’s run the business from her home, but its growth has necessitated additional space.

“I really wanted to have a storefront where people could come in and see what I do,” she said.

As a resident of Saratoga Springs Zeppetelli wanted her store to be part of the community she adores. She believes she found the perfect home for Rena’s Fine Flowers at 51 Ash St., on the corner of Beekman and Ash.

“I was driving down Beekman St. about six months ago and came across this fabulous building. I just fell in love with it,” Zeppetelli said. “After meeting all of the wonderful business owners and people that live in the area I had to have my shop there. It really is like its own little community.”

Zeppetelli said she loves the small, quaint feel of Beekman St. and referred to the area as “up-and-coming.” The owner believes what she does will fit in nicely with all the art the street already has.

Trained by her sister who owns a flower shop in Cape Cod, Zeppetelli has had a passion for flowers for years. She believes the handpicked flowers from around the world that she uses and her unique arrangements set her apart from similar businesses.

Aside from exquisite flowers, the mother of two said Rena’s Fine Flowers provides patrons with silks and small gifts including candles, flower holders and cards. Her peak times are from Thanksgiving to Christmas and wedding season, which she classified as June through Oct., but Zeppetelli said flowers are a good purchase year-round.

“Any time is a great time to buy flowers,” she said. “Whether it’s a special occasion like a birthday or anniversary or just any day of the week, they always put a smile on someone’s face.”

Rena’s Fine Flowers officially opened on Thursday, Sept. 6. Zeppetelli said the shop’s grand opening, which the public is invited to attend, will take place from 4 - 8 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 8 and include strawberries, chocolate and champagne.

Rena’s Fine Flowers is open Tuesday through Saturday 10 a.m. - 6 p.m., as well as Sunday and Monday by appointment. For more information, call 727-6742 or visit www.renasfineflowers.com.