CONGRATULATIONS to 2007 Florist of the Year Award Winners

Florists Take Top Award at Industry Dinner

The Florist of the Year Winners for both the Metropolitan and Regional areas was announced at the Annual NSW Flower Growers Group Ball on Saturday, 10 November.

 

Monthly Winners 2007

• September
• August
• July
• June
• May
• April
• March
• February

 

September 2007 – A Lazy Daisy Florist

A Lazy Daisy Florist owned by Wayne and Rhonda Waters were presented the September Florist of the Month Award. The small shop located in Revesby was a monthly winner in 2006, scoring highly in store appearance and customer service.

In 2007, the store continues to do exceptionally well in the Florist of the Month program with their results landing them in the top 10 for 2007.

Running a successful business can be hard at the best of times, however, Wayne and Rhonda have mastered the art, which includes working side by side every day, “its all about working out what each one enjoys and is good at” says Wayne Waters.

Both Rhonda and Wayne started of their careers working in the Finance sector, before deciding to purchase A Lazy Daisy Florist from Rhonda’s mother who was ready to sell her business.

These days the busy store provides customers with a variety of flowers and has a vast array of value add products like balloons and teddy bears. The store also has a website which customers can log onto and purchase their flowers.

Details: A Lazy Daisy Florist, Shop 16, 35 Selems Parade, REVESBY. 2212 Tel: 02 9772 4777

 

August 2007 – Fine Flowers

Pam Harman, owner of Fine Flowers was excited about her recent win as she was presented the August Florist of the Month Award.  This is a huge accolade as she only purchased the business a year ago.

Its little wonder Pam, her children and husband are happy to have made the move to Katoomba some 17 years ago, apart from a buzzing business that continues to do well, she also gets to enjoy Katoomba, a tourist attraction for anyone who comes to visit Sydney.

Located over an hours drive from the hustle and bustle of the CBD, Katoomba is well known for its breath taking views, bush walking tracks and of course the famous 3 Sisters.

Pam worked for 16 years as an employee of Fine Flowers, before the opportunity to purchase the store became available. Since the purchase Pam continues to work at her store making changes which have helped her increase her customer database and sales.

Details: Fine Flowers, 167 Katoomba Street, KATOOMBA. 2780 Tel: 02 4782 3314

 

July 2007 – The Bay Florist

Annette Moss, owner of The Bay florist and winner of the July Florist of the Month Award definitely knows the hard work and dedication required to not only be a first-class florist but also run a successful business.

Annette has been in the florist industry for over 30 years, first starting as an employee in The Bay Florist for 18 years before the opportunity to purchase the little shop located in Warners Bay came up. 

Annette and husband Daryl decided to acquire the shop and add their personal touch. Over the past few years the shop has done exceptionally well and this brought about the decision for Annette and Daryl to open their second shop in East Maitland.  Annette's daughter also helps out in the business "My daughter, Allirra is a great help as she works in both shops" said Annette.

The staff including 4 seniors and 1 junior is also a huge asset to the business, "they are passionate about flowers and always willing to help our customers.  Between us we have over 100 years of combined experience" said Annette.

Annette uses the feedback from the mystery shopping program to communicate and praise her staff in areas where they excel and also discuss ways of improving other parts of their business. "When we come across a challenging customer, we have a little giggle and say it's the Mystery Shopper, it keeps us on our toes" said Annette.

"The secret to staying in the florist industry for so many years is to love and enjoy your craft. I enjoy creating and learning new designs, the different colours and textures that nature creates is just magnificent" said Annette.

Details: The Bay Florist, 450 The Esplanade, WARNERS BAY. 2282 Tel: 02 4948 5111

 

June 2007 – Picton Wild Flower

Georgina Owens, owner of Picton Wild Flower and winner of the June Florist of the Month Award, spent most of her childhood years in Picton, located south of Sydney, before moving to complete high school. It wasn't long however, before she returned to Picton and commenced work as a delivery driver for Picton Wild Flower, the store she would later own.

"I have always wanted to work with flowers because they are so beautiful, as a florist I get to use my creativity to make someone smile" said Georgina.

Being the only florist within her area, Georgina is kept busy in her cottage like shop with flowers located on one side of the large store and value add products including teddy bears, balloons and presents for new born babies on the other. The store has a fresh feel and the wooden floors enhance a warm feeling.

Georgina regularly advertises in the local paper, especially around peak periods to remind readers to get their orders in for special days, including Valentines Day, Mothers Day, formals and even Christmas.  She also donates to local charities and organizations and in return receives local recognition within her community.

Like most high-quality florists Georgina makes her job look easy to the every day customer, but everyone knows there is nothing easy about being a florist. The early starts and late nights can take there toll, but the benefits of owning a successful business and making people happy with your art keeps her going.

"My motto is to work hard, enjoy life and reap the rewards" said Georgina Owens.

Details: Picton Wild Flower, 163 Argyle St, PICTON. 2571 Tel: 02 4677 1601

 

May 2007 – Leppington Flower Market

A new comer to the industry, Claudia Scarfone owner of Leppington Flower Market and winner of the May Florist of the Month also sees the benefits of the program.  “Apart from receiving the results, the advertising package and Temples $100 credit all help in promoting the store” said Claudia. 

Claudia started her career as a photographer, specializing in wedding photography. However, after marrying into the Scarfone family, decided with the support and encouragement of her husband Matt Scarfone to open up a florist shop.

A new career path is a little easier when you have family and friends within the industry, and Claudia definitely has that. Apart from her husband being a flower grower who owns a stand with his family in Sydney Flower Markets, Claudia also has the support where she can call upon her mum, sister and in-laws to help out on major calendar events. “It is truly amazing how many people get involved. I’m blessed with a great husband and a wonderful family” said Claudia

Claudia’s cool room is always empty throughout the day, with all her flowers available for purchase. She offers several lines; including small mix-line, basic and deluxe bouquets and arrangements and value add products such as balloons, teddy bears and chocolates.  She also attends PFA, Pearsons and Interflora demonstration nights, where she keeps in touch with the latest trends and design techniques.

Claudia relishes her new found career and enjoys the creative challenges that come with her role “I love it when someone comes to me with a theme or concept in which I have to come up with a new  overall design. Although at times it can be quiet stressful, it is a true thrill to watch your work come together”. she said.

Details: Leppington Flower Market, Shop E, 1640 Camden Valley Way, LEPPINGTON. Tel: 02 9606 6623

 

April 2007 – Blaxland Blooms

If there’s one thing the winners of the Florist of the Month for April and May can agree on, is the impact family and friends can make on a business. Lisa Stenhouse, owner of Blaxland Blooms and winner of the April Florist of the Month Award is recently new to the industry and believes without the help and support of her mum and partner, she would not be where she is today.

Lisa has accomplished a lot over the past three years, not only opening a store within the Blaxland Shopping centre complex, located next door to an IGA but also recently gave birth to her second child, a beautiful baby girl. “It’s been a huge transition for my family and I would have been lost without the help of my mum, who looks after the deliveries for me” said Lisa.

Its quiet remarkable to see how Lisa has turned this corner store into a successful business, which she is proud of and also has the support of the local community. What’s more impressive is the limited space she has to work with; most florists are used to working in a confined space, but imagine a shop that’s only 6 x 2sqm in size. This space includes a small fridge in order to keep flowers fresh, a counter which doubles as a work bench and an area to display her flowers.  All this, including a staff member fit into this bright pink and black themed shop.

“Although it’s a small shop, it’s just right for me.  I don’t have much room in the fridge, which means I tend to visit the markets more often, which in turn ensures my customers, receive fresh flowers all year round” she said.

Lisa regularly advertises in the local paper, promoting her store, the services she provides and special promotions, however, she proudly boasts 85% of her business is from return satisfied customers and word of mouth and rightly so, a critical part of any business is to ensure that customers are happy and satisfied with the service and quality that is provided.

During the last 3 years, Lisa’s florist of the month results, have been slowly improving with the final survey resulting in this award. “As a first time business owner, I have found the Florist of the Month program to be extremely beneficial to my business. It’s wonderful to have program that offers a tool which measures all areas of my business.   I take my results on board and deliver changes which I believe will lift the standard of my store.

Details: Blaxland Blooms, Shop 10, Blaxland Ave, 150 The Great Western Highway, BLAXLAND. 2774 Tel: 02 4739 0532

 

March 2007 – Umina Beach Flowers and Gifts

Tracy Wall owner of Umina Beach Flowers and Gifts also agrees the program is a resource worth using. “You would be crazy not to get involved, at the end of the day it’s someone within your community who’s conducting the survey and it’s free” said Tracy

It’s this positive attitude towards her business and life in Umina Beach that has Tracy winning the March Florist of the Month.

Umina Beach, for those who aren’t aware is located north of Sydney. It’s where everything slows down a pace; the beach is only minutes from the local business area. Its just the place to go if you need a few days away from the hustle and bustle of Sydney and its here that Tracy has spent most her working life, 17 years to be precise.

When the opportunity to purchase the store 3 years ago came up, the decision was not a difficult one for Tracy “I love working at Umina, the people are friendly and it felt right to buy the shop”  said Tracy.

Tracy’s interest in flowers developed gradually as she watched and helped her Auntie in her flower shop. She loved the freedom to be creative and watched as customers were delighted with her work. It was during this time that she decided to follow in her Aunt’s footsteps.

The drive from Umina Beach to Sydney Markets is approximately 80km, but this doesn’t stop  Tracy visiting the Flower Market on a constant basis to ensure she continues to maintain a healthy business relationship with all Flower Growers at the Markets.

Details: Umina Beach Flowers and Gifts, 281 West Street, UMINA. 2257 Tel: 02 4341 4771

 

February 2007 – Your Favourite Florist

Owners of Your Favourite florist, Yvonne and Steve Barrett were extremely proud of their accomplishment, winning the Florist of the Month for February.

Like most business owners, the Barrett’s priority has always been to ensure their business runs smoothly and most importantly meets their customer requirements.

Their customers seem to agree, with some dropping by just to smell the fresh floral aroma that engulfs the small shop at Engadine. Others love the value for money bunches set out so beautifully using colourful paper and netting. The secret to the beautiful variety of flowers is in the nine staff members that Yvonne has hired to keep her busy shop buzzing with customers.

“The secret to keeping the girls happy and productive is to ensure you give them variety in their day to day work. When putting the roster together, I ensure the girls try different things; for example allowing the girls at the front counter a chance to make and sell bunches of flowers that they have put together” said Yvonne. “That way if I’m ever away I can be sure that my store is well maintained”.

“Its also a partnership with my husband, Steve ensures the deliveries are on time and accompanies me on early morning market visits – which become harder in the colder months” said Yvonne.

Yvonne and Steve are constantly looking at ways to improve their stores appeal to customers.  Their most recent project which requires Council approval is the addition of wheelchair access via a ramp and safer access via stairs for the general public.

Yvonne and Steve have been participating in the Florist of the Month program, for several years. They have won several awards including an award of Excellence in the 2006 Florist off the Year Awards. “The Florist of the Month Program is a great way to find out what the community really thinks of my store, and It’s a great way to get the staff talking on ways to improve and maintain the store” said Yvonne.

Details: Your Favourite Florist, 1093 Old Princes Hwy, ENGADINE. 2233 Tel: 02 9520 2066