Local Artisan Florist Corner

A Local Florist Grows Her Career From Part-Time Job to Full-Time Passion

Meet Local Florist, Vivian Chang, for #OneOfAKind

What is it they say? “If you love what you do, you’ll never work a day in your life.” Local florist Vivian Chang lives by this quote. She’s loved art and flowers since she was a child, and she’s turned her creativity into a successful profession.

Photo of local florist Vivian Chang and an arrangement

Vivian’s floral career began to bloom when she was in college and in need of part-time work. Her cousin had a flower shop in Los Angeles not far from where Vivian attended school and offered her a job, so she decided to give it a try. “I was going to be a salesperson,” she says. “After a week, I was designing already.”

It was the perfect match. “I just fell in love with the business.” And 35 years later, that’s still true. Now she runs her own shop and is excited every morning to see what projects the day will bring. She especially looks forward to meeting new walk-in customers and catching up with her many repeat clients.

A local florist’s talent for pleasing customers

Vivian has a talent for working with gorgeous, colorful flowers and creating one-of-a-kind bouquets, and when her designs bring her customers happiness, she’s happy, too.

Every day is different for this local florist — she may be asked to provide a bouquet for a birthday or flowers for a funeral or a wedding — and she enjoys helping people who don’t know exactly what they want. “We always start with colors,” Vivian explains. “You have to think about what color the person likes, what kind of flowers they like. They might not have a specific flower, but they know, ‘Oh, she likes spring-looking flowers or pastel tones.’” Just a few words can point the designer in the right direction and help her create something special and unique.

“When I start designing, it doesn’t matter what happened that morning or what’s going on in my life,” Vivian says. “When I look at flowers and when I’m creating, I only focus on what the person would like and what my customer asked for. There is nothing else.”

A close-up shot of local florist Vivian Chang arranging flowers at her Los Angeles-area shop

A peek behind the scenes

Vivian loves the variety and quality of blooms she gets from 1-800-Flowers.com. “They come from all over the world,” she says, with tulips arriving from Holland and most roses from Ecuador or Colombia. High-quality flowers from 1-800-Flowers are supplied to local florists like Vivian, and the company teaches florists how to make sure the flowers look great for a long time.

When I look at flowers and when I’m creating, I only focus on what the person would like and what my customer asked for. There is nothing else.

Vivian Chang

1-800-Flowers.com Local Florist

“Once we get the flowers, we give them all kinds of vitamins to make them look prettier and live longer,” Vivian says. Whether customers walk into the shop or order online, she wants them to enjoy their flowers for as long as possible.

While Vivian’s store is very close to Beverly Hills, she caters to all budgets, and she says that customers appreciate being able to order from the 1-800-Flowers website, where they can get fresh ideas and customize their gifts. “The product development team is creating something new every day,” she says. “They’re creating all the time so the online customer will be able to pick and choose what they like.”

For Vivian, her mission is the same no matter what occasion the flowers are for. Whether it’s a happy celebration like a wedding or a birthday or an occasion where people are in need of extra comfort, such as at a funeral, this local florist wants her flower arrangements to raise customers’ spirits and make a lasting impression.

Local Artisan Spotlight

We’re celebrating some of our inspiring local florists, who are passionate about what they do and making a difference in their communities. Meet the women behind some of our new hand-crafted arrangements.

Sophie Clary

Sophie Clary has been an essential designer at David’s Flowers in Midwest City, Oklahoma for 35 years.

Sophie is a successful designer, getting support every day as well as on busy holidays from her family. Her husband does everything except design, and her daughter and son-in-law have been running the delivery department around the holidays for eight years.

Sophie says her personal design style is traditional, and lists the Pink Floyd rose and magnum disbud mum among her favorite flowers. When it comes to her customers, they seem to love the everyday arrangements at David’s. Succulents haven’t really caught on yet, but she’s hopeful they soon will, especially given the resurgence of green plants.

When asked what she loves about being a florist in her community, she says it’s the repeat customers and the children of those customers. She loves working with different types of flowers and making sure all of her customers are happy.

We were excited to have Sophie join us at our Local Artisan Design Workshop. Her unique designs, Delicate Delight Bouquet and Blossoming Basket, can be found in our floral assortment. Both are charming arrangements featuring bright, cheerful colors for celebrating any occasion.

Phyllis Rega

Phyl’s Flowers & Fruit Baskets in Stratford, CT has been home to talented local artisan Phyllis Rega for the past 30 years. As the shop’s owner, Phyllis first got into the floral industry seven years prior due to her love of flowers and the desire to be her own boss. She got her first job at the upscale flower shop, Taylors in Westport, CT. And that’s when things took off.

Phyllis says her personal design style is classic. When asked about her favorite flower? “That’s a tough one. It’s like asking which child is your favorite. They are all unique in their own way. My favorite color is yellow, so with that I would say Oncidium orchids.”

For Phyllis, the best thing about being a designer is having the ability to bring smiles to peoples’ faces. She’s on a first name basis with many of her customers. Nothing makes her happier than hearing about all the events they are purchasing flowers for.

Taking part in the Local Artisan Design Workshop was something that will always stay with her. “I was honored to be asked and it was a wonderful experience from start to finish.”

And we’re honored to have several of her creations in our floral assortment. Among them are Delightful Joy Bouquet, arranged in our wood cube vase for a sweet-meets-rustic style; Cottage Blossoms Bouquet, a garden-inspired arrangement in a round bowl vase; and Flower Song Bouquet, a classic, all-white arrangement inside our charming Swiss Dot pitcher.

Chelsea Mahoney

Chelsea Mahoney has been an integral part of Bloomers Florist in Tomball, TX for the past 14 years. When asked about why she became a florist, her answer was simple: “It’s just in my blood.”

That’s because she just happens to work alongside the shop’s owner, her mom, Doreen, so it naturally sunk in! Chelsea basically grew up in the industry, starting full time after high school. She currently works as the office manager and as a designer, doing whatever needs to be done. Like so many of our shop owners, Chelsea truly wears many hats.

For Chelsea, there are all sorts of fun things about being a floral designer. “You get to design for any and all occasions!” she says. “Flowers can be anywhere and needed for any event. Flowers most always bring a smile to someone’s face and joy to the room.”

When it comes to her personal design style, Chelsea explains that since a lot of work in their area is in Garden/Outdoors, she creates many loosely gathered arrangements with a variety of blooms mixed together. Her pick for a favorite flower is the green rose, but she also admires a lot of the unique varieties of blooms out there right now.

So what does she love most about being such an important part of the local community? “We are still a fairly small town,” she says. “We have repeat regular customers that we get to know on a first name basis, and we love being able to provide them with a personalized shopping experience and know that they trust us to do a great job.”

On taking part in the Local Artisan Design Workshop, Mahoney had this to say:

“The experience, hospitality and overall trip was GRAND! Best of all, I had my best friend—my mom—beside me the whole time designing as well! I would gladly come back any day to do it over again!”

You can see some of Chelsea’s talent on display in our assortment of designs. Her Garden Inspiration Bouquet will have everyone excited for the arrival of spring, with its pretty pastel blooms showcased in a rich purple vase.

Doreen Gordy and Chelsea Mahoney

Owner Doreen Gordy and her daughter, Chelsea Mahoney, are the talented mother-and-daughter team from Bloomers Florist in Tomball, TX. Gordy has owned the shop since 2000 and has been in the floral industry for 42 years. Mahoney has grown up in the shop, working for the past 14 years as an office manager and designer. In this family-run business, both women wear many hats!

Serving their community for the past 19 years, Doreen and Chelsea have had the opportunity to deliver lots of smiles. Since the shop is located in a small town, they’ve gotten to know many of their customers on a first name basis, providing them with a personalized shopping experience and forming a trust.

Both ladies have their own unique design style; Gordy’s being more traditional and Mahoney’s more unconventional. Doreen’s favorite flowers are orchids, and Chelsea absolutely adores green roses.

When asked about what it means to work together, each had their own unique and heartfelt response.

“I love being able to work side-by-side with my precious daughter, says Doreen. “I am so very proud of her and all that she is and has accomplished! Bloomers wouldn’t be the success it is today with Chelsea in it.”

“Working with my mom is a HUGE blessing,” says Chelsea. She’s taught me everything I know, and I am still able to learn beside her and share a bond with her on a daily basis.”

Both women took part in our Local Artisan Design Workshop, where they were able to share their ideas and thoughts about every aspect of 1-800-Flowers. It was even more special for them since they got to do it together.

You’ll see some of their one-of-a-kind designs in our floral assortment.

Doreen’s Perfectly Peach Bouquet features a sweet, subtle mix of blooms in our rustic wooden cube.

Chelsea’s Garden Inspiration Bouquet will have everyone excited for the arrival of spring, with its pretty pastel blooms showcased in a rich purple vase.

Introducing Our 2019 Local Artisan Florists!

Each year, 1-800-Flowers.com hosts two Local Artisan Design Workshops, bringing together select groups of florists from across the country to discuss trends, share ideas and collaborate with its product development and merchandising teams. As part of these workshops, florists use their creativity and design expertise to develop unique product concepts for seasonal and everyday occasions. Exceptional and differentiated designs are selected to become part of the 1-800-Flowers.com Local Artisan Collection and the arrangements become available for sale nationwide.

The collection, which includes 16 truly original bouquets from 11 designers are:

Ann Marie Pierce: 1-800-Flowers.com/Imperial Florist, Baldwin, NY

A veteran of the floral industry, Ann Marie has owned and operated her current shop for nearly 20 years. She has a thriving wedding flower business, the result of her many enthusiastic referrals. Her designs are Splendid & Sweet™ and Sunburst Bouquet™.

Ashlee Roberson: Simply Roses, Ormond Beach, FL

Ashlee started working in her parents’ family-owned floral shop when she was six. Today, she is the owner and head designer of her own shop, where works alongside her husband, mother and sisters. Ashlee’s featured design is the Vibrant Gem Bouquet™.

Breanna Cartwright: Fresh Ideas Flower Company, Modesto, CA

Breanna’s love affair with flowers began when she took a floriculture class in high school. Now, as an accomplished floral designer for more than 16 years, she has created four arrangements for the 2019 Local Artisan Collection: Spring Surprise Bouquet™, Always On My Mind™ Flower Bouquet, Vibrant Floral Medley™ and Enchanting Unicorn™.

Develyn Reed: 1-800-Flowers.com/Achara Florist, Stafford, VA

Develyn’s hidden talent as a floral designer was discovered when she was working as a part-time sales associate in a local shop. Now, as head designer and store manager of the shop, her amazing creations are well-known throughout the local area. Develyn’s featured arrangements are Mother’s Embrace™ and Sensational Spring Beauty™.

Jackie Lacey: Floriology Institute, Jacksonville, FL

A highly-accredited and award-winning floral designer, Jackie’s industry experience spans 32 years. A former retail florist, today Jackie serves as Director of Education and Industry Relations for the Floriology Institute, where he shares his passion for floral design with florists across the country. His creation is the Modern Rose & Gerbera Daisy Bouquet.

Margaret Fleegal: 1-800-Flowers.com/Twinbrook Floral Design, Fairfax, VA

Margaret began her floral career in the mass market industry, where she discovered a desire to create her own designs. She began to learn everything she could about the business and worked to develop her own unique style, eventually opening her own shop nearly 25 years ago. Margaret’s design is Sunset Passion™.

Matthew Wolfhart: Floral Concepts, Houston, TX

Matt’s mother was a florist and taught him the art of floral design, as well as how to operate a flower shop. Today, Matt and his wife own five floral shops in greater Houston. He designed the Radiant Gem™ Bouquet.

Tricia Smith: Twinbrook Floral Design, Fairfax, VA

When she was about 12 years old, Tricia would help her mom as she created wedding flowers from their home. This experience helped her land her first job at a florist at the age of 15 and her career blossomed from there. Today, Tricia owns her own floral shop together with her husband – in fact, he proposed to her there. Tricia designed Floral Treasures Bouquet™.

Vivian Chang: 1-800-Flowers.com/Conroy’s in Los Angeles, CA

With a love of both flowers and being creative, Vivian started designing arrangements as a part-time job when she was in college. As soon as she finished school, she opened her own floral shop. A florist now for 35 years, Vivian happily enlists her husband and sons as holiday help. Vivian’s design is By The Seashore.

Wendell Cook: Nancy’s Floral, Gresham, OR

Wendell’s degree in horticulture has served him well during his nearly 60 years as a floral designer. His career in the floral industry began when he worked in greenhouses after college. He then went into business for himself, taking his family along for the ride. Wendell’s creation is Bountiful Basket™.

Yunus Daginawala: 1-800-Flowers.com/Conroy’s in Encino, CA

An award-winning floral designer for eight years and counting, Yunus loves flowers, but his passion for pizza is a close second. Yunus was introduced to the floral business by his uncle who also owns a flower shop in the area. Hawaiian Hugs & Kisses™ was designed by Yunus.

Arrangements in this year’s collection range from $39.99 – $124.99. You can learn more about the Local Artisan Collection at https://www.1800flowers.com/local-artisans.

The Local Artisan Collection from 1 800 Flowers com

Petal Talk Chats with Fairfax, VA Florist Tricia Fleegal

How did you get into the flower business and what do you love best about being a florist?
When I was about 12 years old, my mom would create wedding flowers from our home. She would work all day at her full time job, come home, cook dinner and then start preparing the flower shipment. I would help her clean and hydrate the flowers, sweep the floor and take out the trash. Mom would show me how to wire boutonnieres and corsages, put pearls in stephanotis, how to use stem wrap and package the product. My most important job was holding the bridal bouquets and trying on the flower head pieces/halos for inspection. I thought I was so cool holding something as special as a bridal bouquet! At my age it sure seemed like a lot of work, but nothing compared to what we do now. Having some floral knowledge under my belt helped me get hired for my first job at a florist at the age of 15.

What I love most about designing flowers, (depending on my feelings with the flowers for that day), is creating something from stems and turning it into a beautiful collection. I do my best work when I feel that I am one with flowers. Designing flowers is an art and a feeling for me.

What I love most about being a florist is a different feeling. Our customers are the best part. They bring the love and appreciation to our designs. We share special bonds over their occasions. I’ve cried, laughed and shared my life with them. Those memories will always be with me. It is the best feeling when you know you have touched someone’s heart and have earned the trust of your customers.

What are your favorite flowers?
I love Gerbera daisies! They just say “look at me”! Vibrant, happy and so many colors, how can you go wrong? But of course garden flowers are beautiful too. They’re easy to work with.

Petal Talk Chats with Fairfax, VA Florist Margaret Fleegal

How did you get into the flower business and what do you love best about being a florist?
My first experience in the flower business was in the mass market industry, where I found I had a desire to create my own designs. I attended floral demonstrations and read industry magazines and books to help further my knowledge. This “self taught” approach helped me form my own unique style. Friends and family were soon asking me to help them with special occasions, mainly wedding flowers. By word of mouth, I had my own following and a small side wedding business. It became challenging, juggling my full time job along with wedding work on the weekends. It was clear to me that my passion was with flower designing. I needed to make a decision: go with my heart or stay with the security of a large corporation. I took the leap and bought my own flower shop in 1994.

What are your favorite flowers?
Peonies are my favorite. They are timeless and elegant. But I really love all flowers. They are each unique and special in their own way. They all make me happy!

Petal Talk Chats with Stafford, VA Florist, Develyn Reed

Florist Develyn Reed posing with floral arrangement

How did you get into the flower business and what do you love best about being a florist?

I’ve only been in the floral business for about 6 years. My in-laws own Achara Florist, and needed someone to work in the gift part of the store. Once I started working with some of the amazing designers, I began to design a little bit myself. I found that I love creating beautiful flower arrangements…and the rest is history!

What are your favorite flowers?

Gosh, I love them all! There are too many to count. But if I had to name a few, they would have to be peonies, hydrangeas and stock. Peonies smell extremely and are just so beautiful. They take center stage in whatever you put them in. Hydrangeas are nice, big gorgeous flowers that I love to use in wedding work. They make bridal bouquets nice and full, and they go with other flowers so well. Stock is another one of my favorites because it comes in all different colors, and has a wonderful fragrance and big, thick blooms that are stunning in everything.

Can you tell us a little bit about Stafford, VA? What is your favorite thing about living there?

The stone that was used for many of the government buildings in Washington, D.C., including the U.S. Capitol and the White House, came from Government Island located here in Stafford, VA. That is one of the things many people do know about our town. The people here come from all over, so we have a very diverse population. We are far enough from our nation’s capital to still be a little country and a little city at the same time. And that’s what I love about living here. It’s the best of both worlds!

Develyn working on Mother's Embrace arrangement

What has been the most rewarding experience during your florist tenure?

Knowing that I had a part in making someone’s day.

What is the weirdest thing you have seen or experienced during your floral career?

I had someone ask me to make a flower arrangement to resemble the movie poster for “Warcraft.” It was a strange request, but I did it! I made a sword out of bamboo and sprayed it silver, then put red roses on one side with blue delphinium on the other. It turned out perfect! They were very pleased.

What is your favorite floral occasion?

I love weddings. Being able to bring beauty to that most special of days for a couple so in love is just the best feeling. But I also love funeral work. I feel very honored when someone asks me to do the flowers for their loved one’s service. Being able to bring life to memories through someone’s favorite color, flower or smell is a great feeling.

What inspired you to design your Local Exclusive arrangements?

I was inspired by the beauty of flowers. To be able to create so many different arrangements using flowers that come from all over the world is truly a blessing.

What is your favorite Local Exclusive design that you’ve made and why?

It would be Sensational Spring Beauty™. It has everything: white lilies, pink and yellow snapdragons, yellow and lavender roses, pink Gerberas. It’s breathtaking!

What do you love most about your local community?

The people! We have good-hearted, caring people here in Stafford. You are always met with a smile everywhere you go.

What are some “Fun Facts” that your customers don’t know about you?

I love all things mythical. It doesn’t matter if the book is about vampires, fairies, dragons, werewolves etc. I love them all. I’m always reading something about that world. Now, do I believe they’re all real? Maybe I do. Maybe I don’t!

What makes you smile?

My family! I am truly blessed to have the most amazing husband and the best five boys a mother could ever ask for. They make me laugh until I cry. They drive me nuts. And they love me endlessly.

All Photos by Avery Carter

Petal Talk Chats with Baldwin, NY Florist Ann Marie Pierce

In order to learn about the creative minds behind our handcrafted arrangements, we interviewed Ann Marie Pierce from Baldwin, NY who is featured in our Local Artisan Collection. From the daily life as a florist to some of the inspiration behind her arrangements, Ann Marie talks about her favorite holidays, arrangements, her family & more!

Ann Marie Pierce in Front of Her Baldwin, NY Flower Shop

How did you get into the flower business and what do you love best about being a florist?
I always loved to be around flowers, so after realizing my initial career path in corporate America was not going to be my future, I began sweeping and cleaning flowers in a local florist on the weekends, and hence my new career evolved. Being a florist gives me the opportunity to make the flowers speak for my customers.

Ann Marie Pierce Holding Flower Arrangement

What are your favorite flowers?
I love the look and feel of a bunch of white daisies, but being around such an array of gorgeous flowers every day makes it hard to say “that’s the one!”

Can you tell us a little bit about Baldwin, NY? What is your favorite thing about living there?
I moved to Baldwin 25 years ago, and living in the same town as my business motivates me to take an active role in this community. We are a diverse group of hard-working families that take pride in their neighborhood.

What has been the most rewarding experience during your florist tenure?
Having a long-lasting relationship with my customers from one generation to another has been a very rewarding part of my tenure. Having people trust you with the most important event in their lives, making their dreams become their fond memories.

What is the weirdest thing you have seen or experienced during your floral career?
I designed a Halloween wedding, complete with life sized witches and goblins. The dais was a coffin and cob webs and dust were on every table and crevice of the venue. Deep red roses were flanked with bones and spiders. The bride and groom were thrilled with the results!

What is your favorite floral occasion?
This is a tough question because each holiday has its own energy. As designers we get to change gears dramatically, using different colors, flowers, plants and containers to accomplish them.

What inspired you to design your local exclusive arrangements?
I design my Local Exclusive products based on my customers’ reactions. There are certain designs I showcase in my shop and watch the responses. My customers love the decorative boxes, seasoned urns and natural materials we use in some of our pieces leaning on the farm-to-table “feel.”

What is your favorite Local Exclusive design that you’ve made and why?
The Sunburst Bouquet. The deep colors, melded together by soft tones, brings this floral to life. Whether being delivered to a business or a residence, this arrangement fits anywhere.

What do you love most about your local community?
Baldwin has many Civic and Religious Associations that reach out to people in need. I am happy to be a part of these organizations. It opens your mind to the needs of others. It’s nice to see so many people come together to help the less fortunate.

What are some “Fun Facts” that your customers don’t know about you?
I am shy…though most people don’t perceive me as such! I am petrified of scary movies and my favorite color is black.

What makes you smile?
My family.

Petal Talk Chats With Gresham, OR Florist Wendell Cook

1-800-flowers-nancys-florist-wendell-cook

How did you get into the flower business and what do you love best about being a florist?

Growing up, I had a great interest in art and music. I attended the Stockbridge School of Agriculture, completing a two-year course featuring floral design and horticulture. After graduating with an associate’s degree, I was immediately hired at a large florist shop and enjoyed designing.

What are your favorite flowers?

Snapdragons, alstroemeria and Hawaiian tropicals – anthuriums & ginger

Can you tell us a little bit about Gresham / what is your favorite thing about living there?

Gresham has a population of approximately 105,000 and is the fourth largest city in Oregon. Despite its size, it has many small town features that locals enjoy such as the Teddy Bear parade, art shows, car shows and music in the park. Gresham has a very active Chamber of Commerce and many shopping opportunities, limiting the need to go out of town to shop. The weather is very favorable—we may have occasional rain, but we don’t have to shovel it!

What has been the most rewarding experience during your florist tenure?

The most rewarding experience was watching my small business grow from nothing into one of the largest shops in the state and gaining a great reputation in the area. I also enjoy helping people both in times of grief and in times of happiness, such as for proms, weddings and holidays. It’s the giving part I really like. I also enjoy creating custom floral tributes for funerals and memorials when the customer has a special request that is out of the norm.

What is the weirdest thing you have seen or experienced during your floral career?

Over the last few years, numerous people have placed orders for wedding bouquets as they are on their way to the wedding!

What is your favorite floral occasion?

Christmas! Even though it’s a long season making decorations and arrangements, it is very rewarding. I love to spend extra time designing the window displays.

What inspired you to design your local exclusive arrangements?

My inspiration comes from God’s guidance, the love of flowers and putting certain floral combinations together.

What do you love most about your local community?

I love that Gresham is in the middle of everything! It is just a short drive east to Mt. Hood for year-round skiing, or west for an enjoyable drive to the Oregon coast. There are also numerous art galleries, shows & concerts.

What are some “Fun Facts” that your customers don’t know about you?

I have been a church musician practically all of my life, and I’m still an organist at two churches. I enjoy spending time at the gym working out, as well as in my woodshop creating cedar planters that we use for our patio planters.

What makes you smile?

My grandchildren!

Petal Talk Chats With Sarah Annunziato

In order to learn about the creative minds behind our handcrafted arrangements, we interviewed Sarah Annunziato who is featured in our Local Artisan Collection. From the daily life as a florist to some of the inspiration behind her arrangements, Sarah talks about her favorite holidays, arrangements, her family & more!

How did you get into the flower business and what do you love best about being a florist?

When I was in my sophomore year of high school a bunch of my friends and I got an after school job at a local florist near our high school. I started out by sweeping the floors and learning to answer the phones and process the flowers that came in. I stayed at that same local shop quickly picking up being able to talk with and help customers and learned to design simple floral arrangements, which after sticking with it for a while developing into lead designer and store manager. My friends all went off to college on different career paths as I stayed behind in my home town and continued to work at that same shop part time while I attended a local college for graphic design and digital photography, when half way through the semester I realized how bored I was during the classes and how I couldn’t wait to get back to the flower shop because it was my happy place. Which eventually lead to me leaving school and working full time and taking over the day to day management of the flower shop. I stayed there for years until I moved to New Jersey and quickly found a new flower shop and made new friends and made connections with new customers and gained more insight to different design styles from my co-workers there. I worked at three flower shops in New Jersey over 8 years and then decided to move to Florida, again quickly finding a local flower shop to make my “home” in successfully. I felt so passionate about talking to customers and hearing their stories and laughing with them or crying with them. I fell in love with my career at an early age and here 17 years later, I’m back home in New York, and I still love to learn new design techniques and learn new things every day. There’s a saying “It’s a beautiful thing when a career and a passion come together” and I couldn’t be happier doing what I do every day.

What are your favorite flowers?

It’s very hard to choose favorites because I truly adore flowers but if I had to choose they would probably be, Hyacinth, Peonies, and Sweet Pea.

Can you tell us a little bit about NY? What is your favorite thing about living there?

I grew up here and I moved around a lot when I was younger, but for me as a single mom, coming back home to NY last year and being close to my family and friends means that when I think of NY I think of love and family. I live on the same street as a lot of my family members and my other neighbors are all so friendly and we all look out for each other. My daughter and I started over fresh here and I know I picked out the best place for her to grow up. Out of all the places I’ve been on the east coast, Long Island, NY is definitely my favorite place to be.

What has been the most rewarding experience during your florist tenure?

Hearing warm appreciative feedback from my customers is the most rewarding experience for sure. The one that sticks out in my mind is when I was working in a flower shop in New Jersey and a woman from Virginia traveled up to plan and attend her younger sisters’ funeral. It was very sad and this woman was one of the pickiest customers I had ever met, but I sat down with her with a box of tissues and surrounded by inspiration books and I think I must have pulled out every flower from the cooler to give her visuals of how the combinations would look. I wasn’t getting frustrated I was so happy to be able to plan such a meaningful memorial with her. In the end (hours later) she walked out and gave me a huge hug and thanked me for helping her and for listening to all the funny stories she told me about her little sister. After we finished designing all the funeral pieces and delivering them, we came back to the shop and I didn’t think I’d here from her again being that was not from New Jersey and was going to be traveling back down to Virginia. The next morning, I went in to work and opened up the shop and saw the voicemail blinking and checked it. I had to listen to it a few times because it meant so much to me that she took time to give me a call and leave me a heartwarming message of how proud she was of how beautiful the memorial service turned out and how she “couldn’t have done it without me”. She said she was ranting and raving about our flower shop and how helpful I was and how passionate and caring and understanding I was to make sure every detail of her arrangements were perfect. Little things like that make it worth it and hearing that you made a difference and brought happiness during such a sad time for a family means a lot.

What is the weirdest thing you have seen or experienced during your floral career?

There has been a few crazy times in my career. A lot of wild times, but the first one that came to my mind was when I was working at a local flower shop and a gentleman had called the shop but had called the wrong phone number. I was talking to him and he thought he was calling for special pickup, I advised him that he was calling a flower shop, and he laughed. We kept talking and he was explaining how his wife had been bugging him to get rid of the old sofa in the basement and she was mad at him for procrastinating so long. Well, I ended up being able to talk him into sending his wife flowers that day to apologize for taking so long, as well as finding the correct phone number for the special pickup! He was a return customer many times over and he’d ask to speak to me to “order a special pickup”. Haha!

What is your favorite floral occasion?

flower skull halloween floral arrangement

Each holiday is different, but I love the big flower holidays! (Valentine’s Day and Mother’s Day) I love the energy in the shop during that time even though it always gets crazy. I love the pressure and the excitement of a packed store and rushing to answer the phone and help customers and design bouquets on the spot in front of a waiting customer. Long nights of staying up all night long to finish the orders for the next day, and being with my coworkers shutting down the retail store and blasting music in the shop and dancing in the back design room while we finished everything we could for the night.

What inspired you to design your local exclusive arrangements?

My inspiration came from my 4 (soon to be 5) year old daughter, Gianna. Since she was about 6 months old I’ve been taking her to work with me when I couldn’t find a babysitter. She went from sitting in her stroller sleeping all day when she was a baby to eventually me bringing a clip on high chair and attaching it to my design table and giving her flowers to play with while I worked, and then eventually teaching her to sweep up behind me as the floor got dirty! (Haha!) So, when I came up with this design, I had her in mind and she was so used to seeing so many types of bouquets and vases and baskets, I thought “what’s different?” and “what would impress her?” and when I thought of it, I knew that would be something playful and cute that she would love… and she does!

What is your favorite Local Exclusive design that you’ve made and why?

I don’t know if I have a favorite, I like to try new concepts and designs and test them out to see customers’ reactions and then go from there. I love to design wildflower arrangements and fresh and funky looking bouquets that stand out from the grocery store bouquets.

What do you love most about your local community?
I love running into people I know everywhere I go in the community. Some are friends others are customers.

What are some “Fun Facts” that your customers don’t know about you?

I love craziness! I love the feeling of being stressed out and problem solving and the rush of busy holidays and my favorite thing to do when I’m designing is playing some good music and dancing while I work!

What makes you smile?

Hearing my daughter laugh.