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Flowers by Cori-Lynn: Florist blooms anew
Flowers by Cori-Lynn staff cultivate emotional connection with customers
Florists at Flowers by Cori-Lynn have an emotional connection with their customers. They share milestones from birth to end of life. Beginning with a baby bouquet, the individual relationships continue through celebrations of birthdays, graduations, weddings, anniversaries, openings of businesses, promotions and many other occasions. Seasonal celebrations such as Valentine’s Day, Easter, Mother’s Day and Christmas bring florists and their customers together.
When it ends, there is a celebration of a life and floral tributes to a person who was loved.
It’s that emotional connection that appeals to Shawna Graham who has been at Flowers By Cori-Lynn since 1995. She worked there “off and on” for different owners, as well as taking time to attend college for a couple years. Three years ago she started to work full-time and bought the business in the spring. “I had always thought I would become the owner at some time,” she explains. “Every time I worked for someone, I had the business at heart. I cared so much. Making the decision to become the owner was the best one for me.”
Shawna’s first job in a floral shop was in Forestburg, Alberta. A few years later she travelled around Canada and the United States for two years with a youth ministry, before accepting an invitation from a friend to come to Powell River. “I met my husband Brian and made this community my home.”
She has always enjoyed working with flowers. “I love to make people happy and they are so appreciative of what they get from our store. Even helping people through some difficult times in their lives can be very satisfying.”
Taking the step to become an entrepreneur was one Shawna made with the support of her husband. “Although he may not be seen in the store, he is an important part of the business and supports me fully in business and with everything else that needs to be done.”
Another person who is not generally seen in the store but is seen by recipients of flower arrangements is Wayne Young who helps out with deliveries in the busy seasons.
When customers do come into the store, located in Crossroads Village Shopping Centre, they will see Barb Bombardir. Anita McDonald helps out during the busy times. Both have worked at Flowers by Cori-Lynn for years. They are joined by newer employees Rosa Sox, Lori Missio and florist-in-training Emily Christensen, who is 12. Lori was hired after Stephanie Larkin recently moved to Nanaimo.
Shawna is full of praise for her staff. “I love the staff here. We have a good team of long-term employees and newcomers who are fitting right in.”
Since becoming the owner, Shawna hired Rosa and Lori. Rosa had never worked as a florist before but she “jumped in with both feet and grabbed the concepts of what she needed to learn.”
Lori had previously worked with Grandmum’s Flowers and fits in well with the other staff.
Sale selections in the store are easily identifiable and are being priced to make way for new stock.
Popular items remain such as metal birds, and lounging cats of several breeds that are perfect for petting.
Gourmet items, including specialty teas, coffee and crackers are back for purchase individually or in a gift pack. Daniels Chocolates are on order.
New items include gamin wall art prints, cards made in South Africa, containers and metal fairies. Sure to create a buzz are genuine leather-bound journals by Phasa with 100-per-cent recycled cotton pages.
Silk flowers in a range of prices will appeal to different customers.
Of course the main items for sale are flowers and plants. Every six weeks, a new order for orchids is placed. This flower has become a popular part of home decorating and for gifts. Twice a week loads of flowers arrive at the store. When Shawna makes a trip out of town for products and supplies, she brings back fresh flowers as well.
The ever-popular poinsettias are on order and will be available for sale December 5, just in time for the Christmas season.
Shawna and her staff are planning a grand re-opening all week from Monday to Saturday, November 2 to 7. They welcome repeat and new customers to drop by to peruse the newly stocked premises.
Advertising Feature
If you want your company to make Front Page News, call 604.485.5313.
When it ends, there is a celebration of a life and floral tributes to a person who was loved.
It’s that emotional connection that appeals to Shawna Graham who has been at Flowers By Cori-Lynn since 1995. She worked there “off and on” for different owners, as well as taking time to attend college for a couple years. Three years ago she started to work full-time and bought the business in the spring. “I had always thought I would become the owner at some time,” she explains. “Every time I worked for someone, I had the business at heart. I cared so much. Making the decision to become the owner was the best one for me.”
Shawna’s first job in a floral shop was in Forestburg, Alberta. A few years later she travelled around Canada and the United States for two years with a youth ministry, before accepting an invitation from a friend to come to Powell River. “I met my husband Brian and made this community my home.”
She has always enjoyed working with flowers. “I love to make people happy and they are so appreciative of what they get from our store. Even helping people through some difficult times in their lives can be very satisfying.”
Taking the step to become an entrepreneur was one Shawna made with the support of her husband. “Although he may not be seen in the store, he is an important part of the business and supports me fully in business and with everything else that needs to be done.”
Another person who is not generally seen in the store but is seen by recipients of flower arrangements is Wayne Young who helps out with deliveries in the busy seasons.
When customers do come into the store, located in Crossroads Village Shopping Centre, they will see Barb Bombardir. Anita McDonald helps out during the busy times. Both have worked at Flowers by Cori-Lynn for years. They are joined by newer employees Rosa Sox, Lori Missio and florist-in-training Emily Christensen, who is 12. Lori was hired after Stephanie Larkin recently moved to Nanaimo.
Shawna is full of praise for her staff. “I love the staff here. We have a good team of long-term employees and newcomers who are fitting right in.”
Since becoming the owner, Shawna hired Rosa and Lori. Rosa had never worked as a florist before but she “jumped in with both feet and grabbed the concepts of what she needed to learn.”
Lori had previously worked with Grandmum’s Flowers and fits in well with the other staff.
Sale selections in the store are easily identifiable and are being priced to make way for new stock.
Popular items remain such as metal birds, and lounging cats of several breeds that are perfect for petting.
Gourmet items, including specialty teas, coffee and crackers are back for purchase individually or in a gift pack. Daniels Chocolates are on order.
New items include gamin wall art prints, cards made in South Africa, containers and metal fairies. Sure to create a buzz are genuine leather-bound journals by Phasa with 100-per-cent recycled cotton pages.
Silk flowers in a range of prices will appeal to different customers.
Of course the main items for sale are flowers and plants. Every six weeks, a new order for orchids is placed. This flower has become a popular part of home decorating and for gifts. Twice a week loads of flowers arrive at the store. When Shawna makes a trip out of town for products and supplies, she brings back fresh flowers as well.
The ever-popular poinsettias are on order and will be available for sale December 5, just in time for the Christmas season.
Shawna and her staff are planning a grand re-opening all week from Monday to Saturday, November 2 to 7. They welcome repeat and new customers to drop by to peruse the newly stocked premises.
Advertising Feature
If you want your company to make Front Page News, call 604.485.5313.
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| CIBC celebrates 90 years in area |
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