Hi everyone!

[Laurel280]

Hi,

My name is Lori, I have been working in the Floral industry for about 13 years. I started by taking classes in High school at a technical center and have worked at different flower shops since.
I opened up my own shop 2 years ago called In Full Bloom. Sadly we closed the shop earlier this year. I guess you could say it was timing, our lease was up and my sister (my partner) was ready to call it quits. Although we were doing very well, it was not what she expected and I could not do it alone.
It's ok for me because doing the weddings and events is what I love. So now I have my own (with no partners) wedding and event business and am doing very well. I have a wedding scheduled almost every weekend until October. It's very exciting, but lately I have been missing the hustle and bustle of the busy shop, so I have been looking for a local shop to work in just a couple of days a week. I hope to own another at some point in my life.

Well that's about it. Im excited to chat with everyone and exchange tips and tricks. Talk to you all soon.

Lori

 

[greatflowerlady]

hey welcome fellow Michigander~ I am from Battle Creek. I also am a wedding and events designer!:thumbsup

 

[Victoria]

Hi Lori... thank you for giving some information about yourself. If you go back to the New Member Intro page you will see that you didn't answer the questions posed there. Please take a look and answer for us.

Thanks!

V

 

[Laurel280]

Hi, I did answer questions when I signed up. I don't know what questions your are referring too.

 

[MANORVILLE]

Hi Lori
Very impressive time in the industry.

Think there are some questions that should be there at the registration point that for some reason do not seem to be appearing. You're not the first.

So do you still have a commercial location, or are you working from home ?
Home based makes it tough for those of us that pay commercial taxes !

Kevin

 

[wildflowerschicago]

Hi Lori, Welcome!

Are you doing the weddings and events from home or a commercial location? If from home, what are you sing for a cooler?

 

[Laurel280]

Im working from home now. I would love to open another shop one day. I don't have any children yet, and MAN is my clock tickin.... so It's really not in the cards for the near future.

Im more of a wedding/event coordinator now, I do alot of planning for the brides as well as the floral work.

I kept a cooler from the shop. We had 2 display coolers. It's small and packed sometimes but it works for what I need it for.

I totally understand where you are coming from with paying for the commercial space. Honestly it's a relief to not have to worry. Alot less headaches.

 

[MANORVILLE]

Gotta give you credit for a straight up answer !

Kinda made my night ! Honesty sells , the right people !

FC, ...................I'm gonna sit back on this one !

 

[Laurel280]

I don't know if I should take you sitting back as a good or bad thing?

Im sure you get frustrated when you find people like myself that work from home. I felt a little of the same frustration when I owned my shop, but part of me was like "good for them, they are the smart ones". The whole "Basement Betty" thing. But I don't consider myself that. I do everything the right way. Pay my taxes, and I know what I'm doing. I've been doing it a long time. And one day..... I'll own a shop again. Im not just trying to make an extra buck. I really love what I do.

But if it's any consolation, I don't advertise or do shows or anything to try to drum up business. All of my work is from referrals and people that I know personally. And honestly I'm not a whole lot cheaper than other florist's in my area. So im really not beating them on price.

 

[aileen_c]

Lori,
Welcome! I'm sorry to hear about your shop and the loss of your partner propelling that. I do hope you fulfill your dream again of owning! I wish you much success with your current situation and hope it helps build you back up! ~A

 

[MANORVILLE]

I don't know if I should take you sitting back as a good or bad thing?

Im sure you get frustrated when you find people like myself that work from home. I felt a little of the same frustration when I owned my shop, but part of me was like "good for them, they are the smart ones". The whole "Basement Betty" thing. But I don't consider myself that. I do everything the right way. Pay my taxes, and I know what I'm doing. I've been doing it a long time. And one day..... I'll own a shop again. Im not just trying to make an extra buck. I really love what I do.

But if it's any consolation, I don't advertise or do shows or anything to try to drum up business. All of my work is from referrals and people that I know personally. And honestly I'm not a whole lot cheaper than other florist's in my area. So im really not beating them on price.

What can I say ?
Second point , well taken and recieved !

With everything around us changing, and knowing what it's like to love what we do, I can't fault you !

Thank you for what I felt were very inspirational responses.

I can't stand opposed here FC, even though my tax bill says otherwise.

If it be acceptable by the members, I say welcome to FC !

 

[Laurel280]

Thank you, Im really excited about this board, I can't belive I didn't join earlier.

I'm really excited about trying the whole "Condom" on the hydrangea bouquet thing. :redface2: I NEVER would have though of that. Brilliant.