Hydrangea Bleu Introduction

[HydrangeaBleu]

Good day to everyone!

My name is Anne Lajoie and I own Hydrangea Bleu in Mission Viejo, CA. I've been in business since October, 2005. The first 3 years I operated from a retail location. In September, 2008 I moved my operations to my residence and have continued to operate out of the garage.

I look forward to joining your community and being able to offer my perspective on our industry and the daily tasks of delivering beautiful blooms!

Thank you!
Anne Lajoie, Owner
Hydrangea Bleu

 

[Tracy D'Amico]

Hi Anne,
Welcome! You have a lovely website.

Just a couple of questions I ask of any business who is a home operation - do you have all pertinent business licenses for your home studio, and pay appropriate taxes as a business does?

Also, I often wonder what Teleflora's position is on home-based teleflora florists ... I only mention this because I see you in my Teleflora directory as delivering in Mission Viejo. I didn't realize a shop could maintain a tf membership without a retail space.

Please understand these questions are not being asked in an 'attack mode' but out of curiosity & concern for maintaining a professional model for floristry.

 

[HydrangeaBleu]

Thanks for your questions!

Hi Tracy,

I have no problem at all with your questions.

First, the City of Mission Viejo does not require a business license for any of it's businesses. I am (and always have been) registered with the California State Board of Equalization - which means that I collect & remit sales taxes to the state of California.

Regarding Teleflora, I cancelled my membership with them last year when I moved my business from my retail location. I inquired at the time, and you are correct, they do not allow home based businesses to be members. I do not know why they still have me in their directory, but I have not taken any orders through their service since September, 2008.

Happy to answer any other questions.

And, thank you for the compliments on my website!

All my best,
Anne

 

[Connie]

Did you convert your garage into a shop, or is it just a studio? In other words, do you consider yourself a full service florist?

 

[HydrangeaBleu]

To Connie

Hi Connie,

Thank you for your question.

When I moved, I moved everything - floral cooler, work tables, supplies, - everything. I consider myself a full service florist. I buy & stock flowers, generally, a couple of times a week. I work 6 days a week. I take orders over the phone, via my website, and through two wire services. I have weekly accounts, deliver daily, do weddings & events, etc. The only difference is my location. The retail location that I operated from before did not have much walk-in, so that hasn't changed too much.

Thanks much,
Anne

 

[conchandler]

Regarding Teleflora, I cancelled my membership with them last year when I moved my business from my retail location. I inquired at the time, and you are correct, they do not allow home based businesses to be members. I do not know why they still have me in their directory, but I have not taken any orders through their service since September, 2008.

Also curious, what is TF position on promoting their products on your site, given you are no longer a member? Anybody....?

 

[HydrangeaBleu]

Teleflora Images

Thanks for your question, conchandler.

I don't know Teleflora's position on displaying their images. I would assume that you cannot do that. I left them up pending their return of my security deposit, which took about 10 months & half a dozen phone calls. They do need to be removed now and I thank you for bringing it to my attention.

All my best,
Anne