Introduction to Alex’s First Blog Post:

We are delighted to introduce you to our newest team member, Alex Ayers, an aspiring business enthusiast who has embarked on a transformative journey as an intern here at Karin’s Florist.

In this blog and many blogs to follow, Alex will be documenting his experiences, observations, and discoveries as he immerses himself in the vibrant world of floristry and business management. Through his unique perspective and enthusiastic spirit, he will provide you with valuable insights into the inner workings of Karin’s Florist and shed light on the broader aspects of running a successful flower business.

At Karin’s Florist, we believe that every bloom has a story to tell and that each arrangement is an art form waiting to be shared. Through his regular blog posts, Alex will not only unveil the secrets behind our meticulously crafted bouquets but also explore the essential elements that contribute to our continued success.

From learning about the intricate process of selecting the freshest blooms to understanding the art of floral design and the importance of customer relationships, Alex will take you on a captivating journey through the multifaceted world of flowers and business. You can expect to gain valuable insights into marketing strategies, business operations, and the nuances of curating unforgettable experiences for our valued clients.

We invite you to join us as we witness Alex’s growth and transformation, as he blossoms from an eager intern into a skilled entrepreneur. Through his genuine enthusiasm and inquisitive nature, Alex’s blog will serve as a source of inspiration for fellow florists, business enthusiasts, and anyone seeking to understand the fusion of creativity and commerce.

So, grab a virtual seat and allow us to introduce you to the captivating world of floral artistry through Alex’s eyes. – Day 1

Welcome to Alex’s first blog post, and welcome to the vibrant world of Karin’s Florist!

Warm regards,

The Karin’s Florist Team

Alex Ayers – Life of an Intern at Karin’s Florist – Blog #1

 The day started with a mix of nervous and anxious feelings. Luckily, these feelings were drowned out in excitement as the day moved forward. It was my first day at Karin’s Florist!

For some context, I’m a 17 year old high school boy, and I can count on my hands the number of times I’ve been to a florist. Although I appreciate a well put together arrangement, my artistic skills would not permit me to help in the designing department, but that suited me just fine. I started at Karin’s to learn about business. Naively, I thought how complicated could it be? It’s only a florist. I would later realize that the business of a florist is similar to the ocean, you don’t see a whole lot from the surface, but once you venture underneath the waves there is much more happening than you would’ve imagined.

On my first day I parked around the back and walked up to the front of the store. As I opened the door I felt my nerves return. However, as the smell of fresh flowers hit my nose I felt I could breathe easier. I was then greeted by a host of friendly faces adorning smiles. I would later come to know many of those people, and I can proudly say that those smiles were genuine. After the first few moments I felt relieved. There was nothing to be worried about after all.

I had a quick meeting with the President, Maris, and Director of Operations, Carol, got a tour of the building, and then met with Amanda who manages HR. Amanda showed me how she helps protect the business and uplift its employees. I saw how they conduct employee reviews and we went through some of the rules and policies that Karin’s has established and some all businesses must follow.

A memorable moment was when Amanada told me a story about how they established a rule on cologne. Delivery drivers would get generous with their selected scents, and their aroma was taking away from the natural smell of the flowers. I thought it was a funny story about all the little things you have to be aware of when running a business, but all I could think about was how I sprayed a few spritzes of cologne onto my shirt before I came in. I sat there a little self-conscious and hoped my fragrance wasn’t too strong. I sneakily gave my shirt a sniff, and concluded that I was lucky I had done one spray instead of two.

My next stop was the flower processing department. I walked to the basement and into a well lit room with a long table. Lying on the table were large boxes of flowers and two pleasant women, Ana and Kathy. This was my first taste of the hectic and awesome week of Mothers Day.

I was given a knife and a box of hydrangeas. I took each flower out of its packaging and cut off a little length from the stems to prepare them to be used in arrangements. In the beginning, it felt great to be given my first task, but after an hour, I understood that people call it work for a reason. Though the novelty of the task wore off, the best part, the people I worked with, stayed constant. They made me feel comfortable and were all smiles even when I did something wrong. I’m glad they helped me see that the culture at Karin’s is something special.

My shift was nearing an end. Even though it was my first day, one thing was evident: the people at the florist are extraordinary. They are delightful and inviting people. I can’t wait to get to know them more and see what other tasks await me.