Florist Spotlights - Bloomin' Blog

Toledo Florist & Gifts Excels In Customer Service!

July 29, 2009 by Flower Shop Network Leave a Comment

Ever wish that you knew someone who would go out of their way to make your order perfect, special and unique? That person is Kim at Toledo Florist & Gifts. Talk to anyone in Toledo, Oregon and they’ll tell you how Toledo Florist & Gifts is THE best place to go for flowers, unique gifts produced locally, and exceptional customer service.

It’s hard to hear a bad word about Kim at Toledo Florist & Gifts and I have yet to find someone who has one. In fact, a view of the testimonials for this flower shop reveals only praise. In a customer-oriented industry like the floral industry, mastering both floral design and customer satisfaction is something to be very proud of. Toledo Florist & Gifts, you deserve a pat on the back!

I rarely hear stories of a florist who offers to go so far out of their way to please a customer. One of Kim’s customers mentioned how Kim even offered to stop by the store and pick up cookies for a child’s classroom to deliver with the order. Wow! What’s even more impressive is that Kim just does these things because it’s who she is. She doesn’t do it for the recognition or the glory. She doesn’t do it so that she can BE the best florist in Toledo, Oregon. She just IS.

If you’re looking for a special florist that will deliver flower arrangements and gifts above every expectation, you’ll do well to visit Kim at Toledo Florist & Gifts in Toledo Oregon.

Filed Under: Florist Spotlights Tagged With: Florist Spotlights, Local Florists, Toledo Florist & Gifts, Toledo OR Florists, Toledo Oregon

Imagination Thrives At Oak Hill Florist In Scarborough ME

July 23, 2009 by Flower Shop Network Leave a Comment

Creative Wedding Flowers from Oak Hill Florist

Creative Wedding Flowers Aplenty!

I love Oak Hill Florist! I’ll admit it. I’ve been a huge fan of their prom flowers, wedding flowers and blog since first learning about this Scarborough Maine flower shop a few years ago.

Working with florists is a large part of my job as is sifting through thousands of photos of flower arrangements every year. Even as jaded as I often become, my mouth still drops every time I see an arrangement from Oak Hill Florist. The creativity and sheer beauty that fills their flower arrangements is amazing! Every. Single. Time.

I was going through some prom flower photos recently and came across one from Oak Hill Florist in which a young man is displaying his “prom pocket square.” In lieu of a traditional boutonniere, this young man planned to grace his Scarborough prom by wearing a photo of his date on his tuxedo jacket where a pocket would be instead. The prom pocket square is accented at the top with flowers that add beauty while masking the mechanics. Having never seen this before, I was floored to say the least. It’s a great idea!

Prom Pocket Squares from Oak Hill Florist

That’s the kind of creativity that you’ll see in every arrangement for every occasion when you use Oak Hill Florist. The florists here want to make sure that your occasion quickly becomes the most special night possible and that their flowers contribute to that magical evening in a huge way.

Whether going simple with a traditional flower arrangement or going to the hilt with something more extravagant, Oak Hill Florist is the place to go. It’s that simple. I’m sure I could go on for hours about their incredible wedding flowers, prom flowers, special occasion arrangements, gifts and all the rest but I’ll leave it with one quick statement.

Your heart deserves the happy reaction it’ll have when you visit Oak Hill Florist in Scarborough Maine!

Filed Under: Florist Spotlights Tagged With: Florist Spotlights, Oak Hill Florist, Prom Flowers, Scarborough Maine, Scarborough ME Florists, Wedding Flowers

Flore, Flowers As Medicine Deserves Recognition

July 22, 2009 by Flower Shop Network Leave a Comment

Flower Shop Network knows Lori Friedlander is not one to toot her own horn, so we thought we would do it for her. Lori is the owner of Flore, Flowers as Medicine and is nominated for an award at the 58th Annual Retailer Excellence Awards Gala in New York City. What an honor!

Although a “youngster” in the floral industry, Flore (opened April 2008) has achieved the reputation as a quality Southbury CT florist with an eco-friendly heart. In fact, Lori and co-designer Christopher Issacson have transformed Flore into a flower shop with a European flower market atmosphere specializing in eco-friendly products. With a growing desire to “go green”, Flore’s unique atmosphere and trendy eco-friendly products help keep Flore a special part of what Southbury has to offer.

With their fresh flowers, a signature line of flower and plant-based products for aromatherapy, as well as beauty and medicinal botanical products, Flore is clearly taking care of their customers and the environment at the same time. In a culture where “going green” is encouraged and celebrated, the shop has quickly gained the respect of its customers and fellow florists. Flore is already tops to their health-conscious customers who are both socially aware and have a preference for items that are environmentally friendly.

Whether Lori brings the trophy home or not, we know that Flore, Flowers as Medicine is a winner. That’s why Flower Shop Network salutes Flore for a job well done. Lori, you’re a winner to us!

Filed Under: Florist Spotlights Tagged With: Eco Friendly, Flore Flowers As Medicine, Florist Spotlights, Local Florists, Southbury Connecticut, Southbury CT Florists

Bice’s Florist Provides An Education In Giving Back

July 21, 2009 by Flower Shop Network 1 Comment

People often say that what goes around comes around, and at Flower Shop Network we certainly believe that to be true! That means Bice’s Florist, a Fort Worth Texas flower shop, can certainly be expecting good things in their future. Why? Because Bice’s Florist recently “gave back” by presenting two local high school students with $500 grants for college costs. Any college student or graduate can easily recognize the generosity behind this pay-it-forward investment into the future of Fort Worth’s deserving students.

Janice Kane, executive director of the Grapevine Colleyville Education Foundation said, “We are blessed and appreciative to have community businesses, such as Bice’s, that see the importance of stepping up in support of our young people.” All of us at Flower Shop Network couldn’t agree more and are happy to report that Bice’s Florist gets an A+ for doing just that!

Thankfully for future students in Fort Worth, Bice’s Florist will continue to grant scholarships each year to local graduating seniors who have displayed outstanding academic performance and commitment to community service–something Bice’s Florist knows all about. That’s why we are so eager to recognize and applaud Bice’s Florist for their investment in the future of their city. Thank you Bice’s!

Filed Under: Florist Spotlights Tagged With: Bice's Florist, Florist Spotlights, Fort Worth Texas, Fort Worth Texas Florists

Estella Flower Shop: A Florist Willing To Listen

July 20, 2009 by Flower Shop Network Leave a Comment

When someone goes out of their way to satisfy their customer’s orders, you know you’re placing your order at the right shop! The shop I’m referring to is none other than Estella Flower Shop located in Harlingen, TX. To Estella, designing a floral arrangement is more than throwing a few fresh flowers together. Instead every floral arrangement is an opportunity to create a work of art. She listens to the customer and the emotions they are trying to convey with this arrangement. Estella then selects flowers and a design that will create the perfect bouquet for them.

I absolutely admire someone who has so much passion and love for what they do on an everyday basis. Many positive testimonials prove that Estella is very kind and willing to go out of her way to help people. And I realize why; there is nothing more important to her than 100 % customer satisfaction. I personally spoke with Estella one day setting her up with one of our services here at Flower Shop Network. She took some time to really listen and was very patient as I was explaining to her about this technical service. She was very polite and understanding which is something I really do appreciate when I call florists regarding this service. I understand why a lot of her customers enjoy her and want to come back for more!

Serving the Harlingen area for over 25 years, having a lot of experience, it’s no wonder why many people choose Estella Flower Shop to be their florist. It’s obvious Estella’s success comes from being such a helpful and caring florist. From wedding arrangements to great gift choices and funeral flowers to just a simple flower arrangement, Estella Flower Shop is definitely the place to call!

Filed Under: Florist Spotlights Tagged With: Estella Flower Shop, Florist Spotlights, Harlingen Texas, Harlingen Texas Florists

Florida State’s Newest Master Designer is Tony from Bay Bouquet!

June 17, 2009 by Flower Shop Network Leave a Comment

You ever sit down with someone and realize that you are speaking to someone with a heart of gold? That’s how it was when Tony picked up the phone. Bay Bouquet Floral Studio, a flower shop in Tampa Florida, is already well renowned for their stylish designs and attention to customer service. I can see why! One 30 minute conversation with Tony showed why so many people choose Bay Bouquet Floral Studio for their flowers, though I knew in the first 3 minutes.

The reason for the call was to congratulate Tony for earning the Florida State Master Designer accreditation at the FSFA Convention in early June. It’s a big accomplishment so we wanted to let him know how proud we are of him for a job well done. Not being from Florida, I wasn’t sure what earning the FSMD entailed so I asked.

According to Tony, the rules and judging standards are based on the AIFD test. It is a two part test which contestants are given three hours to complete. First, they must finish a 125 question written test. (The AIFD has only 25.) Second, they are given tickets to create three floral designs. Tony’s assignments were hospital flowers, a corsage and a boutonniere, and a designer’s choice arrangement. It’s not a competition. The flowers are judged by design and knowledge of certain key floral design concepts. Only already accredited designers are allowed to judge. What makes it tough is that if you fail either part, you fail it all. You must then repeat the part you failed at the next session. Fortunately for Tony, he did it on his first try!

I could go on and on about Tony and Bay Bouquet Floral Studio. Tampa is lucky to have a flower shop like Bay Bouquet Floral Studio. I’m sure (because I’ve spoken with them) that there are many other talented florists in Tampa, but you’d be well off to stop in and have a conversation with Tony.

Filed Under: Florist Spotlights Tagged With: Florida Florists, Florida State Master Designer, Florist Spotlights, Tampa Florida Florists

Need A Place To Turn For Foliage Too? Try This Fresno Florist

June 16, 2009 by Flower Shop Network Leave a Comment

Need to know about foliage plants? Just ask Greg at Fresno’s The Cherry Blossom.

There are many different sides to the floral industry. Some florists strictly celebrate fresh flowers. Others enjoy foliage plants as well. Some have a hand in the wholesale nursery side while others remain in their flower shops creating works of art each day.

Imagine how fun it would be to go to work at a Fresno flower shop then head over to your own nursery for fresh plants. This dream is an everyday reality for Greg at The Cherry Blossom in Fresno California. Florists usually carry live houseplants or dish gardens to accentuate their gift line. Greg at The Cherry Blossom, however, goes the extra mile in this area. He also owns a wholesale nursery where he grows foliage plants for his shop and other nurseries. How neat!

When you need a place to go for foliage plants, just call Greg! Even other Fresno florists come to him because they know that flowers and foliage are his life. His passion is consumed by more than just fresh flowers. He also loves plants and has a knack for matching customers to the plants that they’ll like the best.

Greg understands the busy life of a florist because he is one. He understands the nature of plants and how to get the most from them because he grows them. His hands help grow the plants that he delivers. Other shops can trust his plants because Greg trusts them in his own. He’s not keeping the best for himself. They’re all high quality foliage plants made with the green thumb that only a true plant and flower lover can have. You can’t get much better than that. To get a glimpse of a different side of the floral industry, visit Greg at The Cherry Blossom.

Filed Under: Florist Spotlights Tagged With: California Florists, Florist Spotlights, Fresno California Florists, Fresno California Flower Shops, The Cherry Blossom

Slate Hill Florist Gets Involved With Local Blood Drive

June 10, 2009 by Flower Shop Network Leave a Comment

Florists often have a large hand in the community. More than getting the name of the flower shop into the community, helping out is a great way to keep the community alive and active. Painted Petals Flower Shoppe knows the importance of staying involved in their Middletown New York community which is why they are helping with a local blood drive on June 16, 2009.

The New York Blood Center of the Hudson Valley will host a blood drive from 3-7pm on June 16th at Deerpark Reformed Church in Port Jervis. Whether they signed up the church’s community open house (June 13th) or at the door, all donors will receive a flower compliments of Painted Petals Flower Shoppe in Slate Hill, New York.

The beauty and nature of flowers is inspiring. Its’ a reminder of life, fragility and the need to nurture. That’s exactly what blood donors are doing. They give of themselves to help someone who needs to be nurtured, who is fragile and who wants a fresh start at life. As a small reminder and a big thank-you, Painted Petals Flower Shoppe welcomes the opportunity to share flowers with the donors.

It doesn’t take much to participate actively in the community. To watch the community grow and thrive, that takes more work. Painted Petals Flower Shoppe may be just one flower shop, but they’re a huge part of what makes Middletown New York florists so special.

Filed Under: Florist Spotlights Tagged With: Florist Spotlights, Middletown New York Florists, New York Florists, Painted Petals Flower Shoppe, Slate Hill New York Florists

Belvedere Flowers Rocks!

May 19, 2009 by Jamie Jamison Adams Leave a Comment

At least, that’s what J M. H. Schwanke, aaf, AIFD, PFCI said about Belvedere Flowers in the flip video below. In the video, he even goes on to say, “Belvedere Flowers is one of the best places to buy flowers, ever.”

Although J Schwanke and Belvedere Flowers say this is “J Schwanke’s shameless promotion of Belvedere Flowers,” I disagreed. I thought this was a very clever way for J to demonstrate the importance of being connected and actively participating in the flower community. And if anyone should know how important it is to be connected in the floral industry, it is J. He has devoted his life to the floral industry, and, in particular, to educating florists.

Anyone familiar with Belvedere Flowers in Havertown, Pennsylvannia knows exactly how connected they are to their flower community. They have a blog, a facebook page and all sorts of cool videos. Like the one of Adam’s Dad creating prom corsages. The music is so appropriate. Rock on, Poppy!!! It proves Belvedere Flowers really does rock!

We can all take a few pointers from this video:

1) We all need to connect with “our” flower community.
2) You never know where the next opportunity to connect will be. So be prepared.
3) Enthusiasm is a natural draw. Let people know how much you love being a florist.

Technology has given us many opportunities in which we can connect to our customers, friends and colleagues. Try embracing one or more of these fantastic platforms (facebook, blogs, videos, photos etc.) as a way to connect. I look forward to seeing how you choose to connect.

To J – Thanks for the great marketing tips, and I can’t wait to check out uBloom’s new flower guide.

To Adam at Belvedere Flowers – Keep up the great work. You Do ROCK!!!!

To All Flower Shop Network Florists – I would love to see your videos. Send them to me – jadams@flowershopnetwork.com. Show me how you rock!

Filed Under: Florist Spotlights Tagged With: Florist Spotlights, Havertown Pennsylvania Florists, J Schwanke, uBloom

Victoria Park Florist Champions Local Florists

May 13, 2009 by Jamie Jamison Adams Leave a Comment

Kudos to Victoria Park Florist!!

In the midst of a hectic week leading up to Mother’s Day, David Pender of Victoria Park Florist became a champion for local florists everywhere. He spent time educating consumers as to the pitfalls of ordering flowers online from order-gatherers instead of real local florists.

In a WRAL news report, David (a local Chapel Hill NC Florist) explained how these third- party-order-gatherers work. He discussed how the value of your online flower order is de-valued by the time it gets to the local florist filling the order. Since third party-order takers are not held accountable for the quality or value of the product, they are neither a champion for the consumer or the florist. In essence, only the order-gatherers are getting a good deal. David goes on to explain that by ordering directly from a local florist, consumers will receive more for their money. The spot included a wonderful visual of the de-valued flower order.

The news spot, also, gave some helpful tips for ordering flowers online. Making sure the website has a real local physical address and telephone number was the number one tip. Another helpful tip was to contact a local funeral home for a recommendation.

This is just one more example of why you should always contact a real local florist when sending flowers.

Filed Under: Florist Spotlights Tagged With: Chapel Hill North Carolina Florists, Florist Spotlights, Victoria Park Florist