After 30 years at Maison de Briques, Kaye Evans and her mother, Gladys Franks, are retiring from the florist business.

The two have operated Maison de Briques since buying it in 1979 from Susie Hitt. The flower and gift shop has been a mainstay in Demopolis since it opened in 1974.

“(Gladys) is 80 years old,” Evans said, “and I have a new grandson who is 4 months old in Montgomery. Both of those things weighed heavily on us.”

Evans said the business itself would not end, that she planned on selling the business. She added that the name “Maison de Briques” would not continue.

“We have some prospects,” she said. “We’re hoping that it will continue. Whoever the owners will be will operate it under a different name. All of the employees who aren’t family plan on staying and trying to help them continue. I told them I would be glad to help in any way I can.”

The decision was an emotional one for Evans and Franks, but it was one they felt was the right one to make.

“Working at Maison de Briques has been a gift from God,” Evans said. “I know that’s what He wanted me to do with my life at that time. I went on a trip this summer with the high school. While I was away — He’s been speaking to my heart — and I felt led, and I don’t know why. I feel like, when He speaks, you’ve got to turn loose and let Him direct your path. I don’t know what lies ahead. You just have to let go sometimes to let Him have His way. One chapter of our life is closing, and another one is going to open.”

Evans credits the success of Maison de Briques to those who worked there.

“All of the employees are what made it the success it was,” she said. “We were really blessed to have such great people working with us.

As its name implies, Maison de Briques has stood as solid as a brick house among Demopolis businesses. The business may continue, but Kaye Evans and Gladys Franks made the brick house feel like home.