Florist Spotlights - Bloomin' Blog

Where Flowers, Family & Calling Collide: All Seasons Garden Center

May 12, 2009 by Flower Shop Network Leave a Comment

Sometimes you have a love so deep for something, so embedded and true that you know this is no ordinary love. It’s a calling. It’s a love chosen for you by the powers that be. It’s futile to argue it. It’s a passion that consumes you.

Take one step into All Seasons Garden Center in Grand Forks North Dakota and you’ll see what I’m talking about. Georgia, Jan, Jill, Scott and Dieter make running their business a real family affair. It’s just as well! With a garden center, nursery, flower shop, gift shop, landscaping service and tree farm, it takes everyone plus an employ of more than 20 other wonderful people to maintain their high standards of customer service.

You know, it’s something major to come across people who are so passionate about what they are doing that they exude enthusiasm. It’s a contagious excitement that is easy to fall for. You want to keep coming back just to get “a dose of happy.” That’s the kind of passion that everyone has at All Seasons Garden Center. Whether you’re a first-timer or a returning customer, you’ll get the same quality service and respect every time.

There are other ways that Georgia, Jan, Jill, Scott and Dieter help pass on their passion. They also host a lot of events that help further a love of flowers and nature in their community. How could you not be inspired to get dirty in the garden after attending things like “plant with the pros,” “kids day,” “gardening Saturday” and other cool events?

It’s time like these when I wish that I lived closer to Grand Forks so I could stop in regularly and watch their enthusiasm grow everyday!

Did You Receive This Mothers Day Gift From A U.S. Soldier?

May 12, 2009 by Flower Shop Network 1 Comment

If you have someone serving overseas in the military, you know how much your heart skips a beat every time you receive a card, letter, e-mail or phone call. You also know the lonely pangs when these gestures don’t come. Being a military mom is one of the hardest roles to play.

Feeling the pain of military moms, MariEllyn Donnellan of A Dykstra Florist developed an idea to help deployed soldiers share a special moment with their moms for Mother’s Day. She decided to make it possible for soldiers from her town, Spring Valley New York, to send their mothers flowers. Each mom received a single rose. Many received their roses surrounded by baby’s breath inside a vase. A small American flag served as a patriotic reminder of the person serving overseas.

The response was amazing among local moms as well as other florists in New York state. Many New York state florists participated in the program which helped mothers across the state fall into appreciative tears at the simple but inexplicably significant gesture of everyone involved.

When it comes to Mother’s Day gifts, this is likely the best gift ever for many of these moms. As they pray for their children’s safety and safe return, they can rest at ease knowing that their children are thinking of them as well. Part of why it’s great to be an American is because of the good people who make it possible to connect mother and daughter/ mother and son on such important occasions. Many thanks to MariEllyn Donnellan and other florists who participated in this phenomenal surprise.

Are you one of the moms who received a rose for Mother’s Day from a New York florist? We would love to hear your story!

Filed Under: Florist Spotlights Tagged With: Mothers Day, Mothers Day Flowers, Mothers Day Gifts, New York Florists, Spring Valley New York Florists

Turn The Spotlight On Love At First Sight Floral & Design

May 1, 2009 by Flower Shop Network 1 Comment

Here’s someone who really deserves to bask in the glow of the limelight for a bit. Suzanne Calloway Fammartino at Love At First Sight Floral & Design in Carmel, IN really shines in the areas of customer service and design. I can easily say that I was shocked to see the stack of testimonials from Suzanne’s customers. I’ve seen novellas with fewer words. What’s really important is that these customers are glowing about Suzanne’s designs and her attention to customer needs. It’s incredible!

I was speaking with Joe Hays, Suzanne’s Flower Shop Network representative, and was very impressed by his stories of the amazing things that happen in her shop. It seems that inspirational things happen all the time to Suzanne just because she values her customers. I asked him to get me more information so he contacted Suzanne who sent over this story.

Suzanne Calloway Fammartino from Love At First Sight Floral & Design

My name is Suzanne Calloway Fammartino, I own Love at First Sight Floral and I have been a florist for over 19 years. I was a fashion designer before I was a floral designer so floral design came naturally to me, I love creating unique designs. Every day is a blessed day for me if I can make someone else’s day special with my floral designs. I love creating my designs specifically for each customer that calls me, connecting with their needs so that it’s customized with them in mind when it is created. It never seems like a job, it feels more like a calling. I always try and add special accents and pay close attention to detail in every design because the little things really do matter. After I have finished with an arrangement I always look at it through the eyes of the receiver and that’s when I know I’ve done my best.

I have always been very intuitive and on countless occasions I have been able to connect with my customers instinctively by choosing just the right flowers’ containers and designs and later find that what I had created had a special connection for them. There is no greater fulfillment for me as when I receive a thank you call or letter. That is what it’s all about for me in my floral business. Several months ago when I was doing my floral buying I saw a beautiful wooden dump truck and something told me that I needed to buy it. At the time I had no idea why. I had a few opportunities to use this truck in children birthday arrangements that were ordered but something told me to hold on to it. I knew why when I received a call from a young lady who told me of a tragic death of a young man in his 40’s that worked for her company.

This company had never called me before and there were other floral company’s closer that she could have picked to call. I told her I could do anything she would like for the funeral arrangement and I asked her to tell me something about him to try and personalize it. She then said “Well you wouldn’t happen to have a dump truck would you?” My heart jumped as I said, “as a matter a fact I do”! Then she told me he had been a dump truck driver for their gravel company for years. The young lady and I were amazed at this moment of connection for this man. As I finished designing a beautiful floral arrangement in the bed of the truck I stepped back and looked at it through his eyes and knew he would be pleased. I felt so blessed to be able to create this arrangement that I knew would touch the hearts of all who attended. I can’t tell you how many times I have made similar connections in the years that I have been doing floral design and those connections make me truly love what I do! We all are given gifts…we just need to be sure to share them with others.

Suzanne- Love at First Sight Floral & Design

I still get goosebumps reading this story. I am so glad to know that someone cares about her customers more than herself. Her reward comes from making them happy. Her rewards also come in strange, pleasant ways like this one. Suzanne, like so many others, deserves a big nod for her dedication to her customers. Way to go, Suzanne!

Filed Under: Florist Spotlights Tagged With: Carmel Indiana Florists, Florist Spotlights, Love At First Sight Floral & Design

Tragedy Compel’s Viviano Flower Shop’s Act Of Compassion

March 24, 2009 by Jamie Jamison Adams Leave a Comment

Local florists are more than businessmen, they are part of their local community. I’ve made this statement a thousand times. Usually in reference to a florist who has participated in some kind of community project or act of generosity to their community. But I have never been brought to tears by the actions of a florist until now. All because of a very gracious act of a Saint Clair Shores MI florist.

Last week 4 teenagers from the Macomb County Michigan area were killed in a car accident. A tragedy that deeply affected residents and the surrounding communities. Viviano Flower Shop was so deeply touched that they graciously offered to provide casket sprays to all four families. This family-owned flower shop didn’t see their bottom line. They didn’t worry about the expense. Instead they saw four grieving families (members of their community) who need comfort and support. Viviano’s wanted to comfort the families, the only way they knew how, with a floral tribute. Because what was important was reaching out and being there for family.

No, the teenagers weren’t related to the Viviano family. However, they were part of the community in which Viviano’s has been a part of since 1937. So, in a sense these four were a part of the community family. Nothing is more important to the owners and staff of Viviano’s than family. I could tell that when I spoke to Tracy about the shop response to this tragedy.

I learned that two of the families graciously accepted the offer. My heart breaks for the families involved. Although I can not even begin to understand their pain, I can tell you from past experience that the flowers on their child or friend’s casket will be a comfort many years from now.

To the staff of Viviano’s a deep, I thank you for the compassion and generosity you have shown to these families. My tears have been ones of sheer thankfulness that there are good people in this world. Thankfully many of them are florists.

Filed Under: Florist Spotlights Tagged With: Florist Spotlights, Funeral Flowers, Saint Clair Shores Michigan Florists, Sympathy Flowers, Viviano Flower Shop

Have You Seen Dragonfly Flowers On McPhillip’s New Logo

February 25, 2009 by Jamie Jamison Adams 4 Comments

Winnipeg Florist Logo

Logos fascinate me. In fact, I believe every flower shop should have one. Why? They define your image. They let customers know who created the beautiful arrangement and who delivered it. An effective logo solidifies company branding when used as part of a marketing strategy. McDonalds knew this when they came up with the Golden Arches. Do you think they would have been as successful without a logo?

Although there are several Winnipeg Florists, Dragonfly Flowers On McPhillips has a new logo that caught my eye. I think they have created a logo that will speak to their customers the way the McDonalds logo did. The logo may seem uncomplicated and simple on the surface. However it is evident that a deep and ingenious thought process went into the creation of this flower shop logo.

For example, the colors they chose convey a very important message. Dark purple represents riches and nobility while lighter purple shades denote a delicate spirituality of romance. With these colors, they convey a message that they create flower designs that run the gamut from luxurious granduer to delicate romance. Color isn’t the only ingenious component. The inverted dragonfly is fantastic as a symbol for both a dragonfly and a flower while it ties into the letters of their name. This logo will definitely leave a strong brand impression, which is why it blew me away. Simple yet extremely effective.

As I understand, Buffie and Duane at Dragonfly included this logo on all of their Valentines Day Orders. What a great idea. Now the people who received V-Day arrangements will have Dragonfly Flowers imprinted in their memories. This should help when they in turn need to send flowers. I’m sure in the future, the dragonfly flowers vans, stationary, banners, and flower arrangement enclosure cards will all display this superb logo.

So my hat’s off to Dragonfly Flowers On McPhillips For an impressive logo.

Filed Under: Florist Spotlights Tagged With: Dragonfly Flowers on McPhillips, Florist Spotlights, Marketing Tips, Winnipeg Manitoba Florists

Greers Ferry’s Bright New Shining Star

February 9, 2009 by Flower Shop Network Leave a Comment

It’s true! Greers Ferry Arkansas has a new florist in town! Jane Feland decided that the town needed a place to go for fresh flowers, silk flowers and unique gifts. Why not be that shop!? On January 1, Jane opened Greers Ferry Florist & Gifts.

Now the people of Greers Ferry can spare themselves a longer drive to other cities by taking a trip to Jane’s flower shop. Supporting the local economy, these customers can find the unique gifts that they want for children, teachers, parents, grandparents and just about anyone on the gift list.

What most people don’t know is that Greers Ferry Florist & Gifts is now the home of Renee Power whose 30 years of experience in floral design have given her a wealth of knowledge that she uses to create very fresh, popular designs. Traditional or contemporary bouquets, sympathy or light hearted arrangements, they’re all available here with the cute cards and gifts to match!

Congratulations go out to Jane and the gang for breathing fresh life into Greers Ferry with flowers. We wish you many years of success!

Filed Under: Florist Spotlights Tagged With: Florist Spotlights, Greers Ferry Arkansas Florists

What We Are Really Sending On Valentines Day

February 9, 2009 by Jamie Jamison Adams Leave a Comment

We have exactly 6 days til Valentines Day or 5 depending on how you want to count it. Other than Christmas, Valentines Day is the most anticipated holiday. Children can’t wait to see what their parents and friends give them. They anxiously fill out their Valentines cards making sure to include one for each member of their class. Office chatter revolves around what might be sent or done for Valentines Day. Hints are dropped and Valentines Day hopes are whispered. Flowers, balloon, candies and romantic dinners are the gifts sent to loved ones or special friends. But after reading Georgianne’s “Smile Blog” this morning, I realized that although those are the gifts we send on Valentine’s Day, that’s not what we are really sending.

Georgianne (along with her husband) is the owner of Monday Morning Flower and Balloon Co in Yardley Pa. Her blog gives a little insight into this florist’s life and passion. I often read her blog because she has a passion for flowers and a flair for creativity and, of course, because she is proud to be a New Jersey girl. But the post I read this morning, really spoke to me. I understand the time and effort that florists put into the week leading up to Valentines Day. It is like the day after Thanksgiving for retailers except they have to create every item that goes out of their shop. Many florists go into a Zen like mode the week of Valentines, becoming as Georgianne states “A well oiled machine indeed.” So I could relate to everything she expressed in her post. However, it was the next to the last sentence in the last paragraph that gave me an AHA moment – “Our motto is “Let us help you send someone a smile” and by golly, we’re doing just that!.”

It maybe Monday Morning Flower and Balloon Company’s motto but it is really what we are sending on Valentine’s Day. All the flowers and all the gifts we send on Valentines Day are a way for us to send what is really important a smile, a hug and the acknowledgment that the person we are sending to is very special and loved by us.

So thanks Georgianne for reminding me why I send flowers on Valentines Day.

Filed Under: Florist Spotlights, Seasonal Flowers Tagged With: Monday Morning Flower and Balloon Co., Valentines Day, Valentines Day Flowers, Yardley Pennsylvania Florists

Christina’s Flower & Gift Shop Perservers During Ice Storm

January 30, 2009 by Jamie Jamison Adams 1 Comment

The massive ice storms that hit Tuesday night has many businesses, including florists, struggling to deal with their daily operation in the midst of wide spread power outages. As many of you know, Flower Shop Network is running on a back up generator until our power is functioning again. Many of our reps have spent the last few days checking in with several of our florist members across the nation. During this time the resilience of many of these florists has become evident.

One such florist comes to mind, Christina’s Flower & Gift Shop in Prestonburg Kentucky. For those of you who don’t know, Kentucky, like Arkansas, was hit pretty hard and many towns have power outages. I spoke with Annette, the owner of Christina’s Flower & Gift Shop, this afternoon and was amazed how positive and cheerful she was during this crisis. Her flower shop has had power off and on since Tuesday, taking care of her customers the best that she could. When I ask, “how the customer were taking the inconvenience of the situation.” Annette replied, “They have all been so understanding, they’re in the same boat as we are. In fact, some of the areas around us like Lexington and Frankfort are a lot worst off.” Annette has been able to fill and deliver most of her orders going to hospitals, residences and businesses. I asked Annette, if she was still receiving orders from out of town. “We are still getting calls for new orders from people out of town. They all begin with ‘I know the weather is a problem there but do you have flowers and if so can you deliver birthday flower to …” said Annette “… and we’ve been able to take care of most requests.”

Since her home has been without power since Tuesday, Annette and her family have been camping out at the shop. It amazes me how florist are like the energizer bunny, always in constant motion and forever being productive. Wednesday was the only day that Christina’s was closed due to the power outage and what did Annette do? Spring cleaning. Annette spent the day wiping down walls and cleaning what she could at home. When I asked why, her reply was “it was a good way to keep warm.” Anyone else would have hid under a blanket, but not a florist – constantly productive and forever creating beauty.

Annette keep up the good work and hang in there.

Filed Under: Florist Spotlights Tagged With: 2009 Ice Storms, Christina's Flower & Gift Shop, Florist Spotlights, Prestonburg Kentucky Florists

How Flowers From The Rainforest Are Getting Good At Going Green

January 27, 2009 by Flower Shop Network Leave a Comment

Take a look around and you’ll find more than one florist going green these days. However, how many do you actually see getting in their delivery vehicles and picking up recyclables to donate to charity? Exactly.

Flowers From The Rainforest is a flower shop in Fort Lauderdale, Florida whose owner, Sherry Tannozzini, decided to make the best of several available resources. Sherry has been taking in old cases as a way to go green, but a contact at a local charity mentioned a need for ink cartridges. That was the moment when Sherry realized that her delivery drivers visit several offices per day. Offering perks for the businesses that donate their runoff, Sherry has started collecting many items such as old cell phones, vases, ink cartridges, and even Christmas trees during January.

However, it’s more than just going green that earns Sherry and Flowers From The Rainforest a nod. The recyclables that Sherry collects are given to local non-profit charities. One gives points for each printer cartridge which can be used to buy toys for needy children. Another recycles phones for use in women’s shelters.

We are very proud of Sherry for her initiative and undertaking such a big hearted gesture. Way to go!

Filed Under: Florist Spotlights Tagged With: Eco Friendly, Florist Spotlights, Fort Lauderdale Florida Florists, Recycling

Oopsie Daisy! I Nearly Forgot These Kudos

December 8, 2008 by Flower Shop Network Leave a Comment

There’s a special feeling that we all feel when our friend has achieved a special accomplishment. It’s a warm, fuzzy feeling that is slightly addictive and definitely contagious. In the spirit of sharing our warm fuzzies with the rest of our friends, I have to say that major kudos go out to Oopsie Daisy Floral.

This Mesa Arizona florist was recently awarded the 2008 Best of Mesa Award in the florists category. That’s a pretty big deal! Way to go, guys! In case anyone is wondering what makes this award such a big deal, here’s some background info. The United States Local Business Association (USLBA) “Best of Local Business” award program annually recognizes local businesses across the country. The winners are local businesses in several categories that have really shed a positive light on small business thanks to their incredible customer and community service.

Well, those guidelines say a lot about what it takes to even be nominated let alone to win. So much time in customer service makes me especially proud of those individuals and businesses that take the extra time to make sure that they have a positive impact on the people around them. Flower Shop Network is very proud of Oopsie Daisy Floral for all of the hard work and dedication. So here’s to you, all the gang at Oopsie Daisy Floral. Way to go!

Filed Under: Florist Spotlights Tagged With: Florist Spotlights, Mesa Arizona Florists, Oopsie Daisy Floral