Men in Love
This past week, I had the opportunity to do something new! In early January, I was asked by Dawn with Ahner Florist and Greenhouses in New Baden, Illinois, a preferred vendor, if I would be interested in assisting them for Valentine's Day (and the few days before). I agreed and did I have a blast!
I was in charge of the retail shop: greeting clients, taking floral orders, cashier, wrapping gifts, restocking inventory, etc. This enabled Dawn, the designer, to create her magic with the flowers. I know I asked Dawn the same question a couple of times throughout the 3 days, but she was the greatest to work with! By the third day - officially Valentine's Day - I even felt comfortable enough to answer the telephone and take orders!
The majority of clients were gentlemen. Some were very prepared and knew exactly what they wanted! Other gentlemen knew WHAT they wanted to send WHEN they saw it! and the remaining had no idea and were very open to suggestions. It was fun to learn a little about their spouse/significant other and help them put together something very special. To see their smile when they made their final decision was so rewarding for me.
The point is: they made the effort and came in because they loved their special someone and wanted to remind them of their love. One ordered all yellow roses, one who just recently started dating gave his new girlfriend tulips, another gentlemen gave a single red rose being held by a white bear, nestled in a red trimmed feather hand bag; one gave red and white flowers and another gave his sweetie a hyacinth bulb planter to watch and continue to grow next year. My favorite: was the gentlemen walking out the store with a big white box with a huge red bow - very old fashioned and very classy!
Due to the cold, we had to wrap everything to protect the blooms from the frigid temps. This extra love and attention to the flowers took a little extra time, but the gentlemen were very patient.
It was a new prospective for me to see all the behind the scenes work involved on a major holiday for a florist. The organization, preparation, delivery coordination and to see what the men do when they order flowers. Can't wait till next year!
I was in charge of the retail shop: greeting clients, taking floral orders, cashier, wrapping gifts, restocking inventory, etc. This enabled Dawn, the designer, to create her magic with the flowers. I know I asked Dawn the same question a couple of times throughout the 3 days, but she was the greatest to work with! By the third day - officially Valentine's Day - I even felt comfortable enough to answer the telephone and take orders!
The majority of clients were gentlemen. Some were very prepared and knew exactly what they wanted! Other gentlemen knew WHAT they wanted to send WHEN they saw it! and the remaining had no idea and were very open to suggestions. It was fun to learn a little about their spouse/significant other and help them put together something very special. To see their smile when they made their final decision was so rewarding for me.
The point is: they made the effort and came in because they loved their special someone and wanted to remind them of their love. One ordered all yellow roses, one who just recently started dating gave his new girlfriend tulips, another gentlemen gave a single red rose being held by a white bear, nestled in a red trimmed feather hand bag; one gave red and white flowers and another gave his sweetie a hyacinth bulb planter to watch and continue to grow next year. My favorite: was the gentlemen walking out the store with a big white box with a huge red bow - very old fashioned and very classy!
Due to the cold, we had to wrap everything to protect the blooms from the frigid temps. This extra love and attention to the flowers took a little extra time, but the gentlemen were very patient.
It was a new prospective for me to see all the behind the scenes work involved on a major holiday for a florist. The organization, preparation, delivery coordination and to see what the men do when they order flowers. Can't wait till next year!
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