CONGRATULATIONS to 2006 Florist of the Year Award Winners

Congratulations to the finalists for Florist of the Year awards for 2006

Metropolitan	Regional
A Lazy Daisy Florist	All Flowers of Blaxland
Absolutely Fabulous Flowers	Bay Bouquets
Beecroft Flower Place & Gifts	Carly Louise Florist
Blue Tulip Florist	Fine Flowers
Bumble Bee Florist & gift Shop	Hyams Nowra Florist
Crows Nest & Liberty Florist	Katoomba Florist
Floral Expressions	Wyong Coastwide Florist
Floriade
Flower Avenue
Garlands Floral Designers
Jodie McGregor Flowers
Kirrawee Flower Decorations
Lane Cove Flower Market
Magnolia - Flowers of Mosman
Maria's Fresh Flowers
McGrath's Hill Florist
Passion for Flowers
Sunset Floral Shop Pty Ltd
Susan Avery Flowers Events Design
The Floral Decorator
The Flower Hut
The Flower Hut Sylvania

 

Monthly Winners 2006

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

 

October 2006 – Bumble Bee Florist and Gifts

South Hurstville wins again

The last Florist of the Month Award for 2006 was awarded to Matthew Kwoka, owner of Bumble Bee Florist and Gifts located in South Hurstville.

With over 5 years experience in the florist industry, Matthew is one individual that most, if not all the growers know well. With a "can do" attitude Matthew is not one to shy away from hard work owning 2 stores both of which do well in the Florist of the Month Awards program.

"My motto in business is customer satisfaction" said Matthew Kwoka

"The feedback from the Florist of the Month program allows us as business owners to respond and re-evaluate areas within the business that require attention" he said.

Bumble Bee Florist and Gifts is located only a few minutes away from Augusts Florist of the Month Winner, The Flower Hut. When asked whether this was a hindrance to the business Matthew responded with "No, South Hurstville is a big area, big enough for the both of us”.

“Rather than working against each other, Jodie and I see the benefits of working together. There are times when I may not have what the customer requires and refer them to Jodie's shop and she does the same with me. We're good friends" said Matthew.

As the October Florist of the month winner, Matthew receives a $1200 advertising package, 1 month free entry to the Sydney Markets and a $100 credit on his account from sponsors of the 2006 Florist of the Month Awards, Temples Florist Sundries.

 

September 2006 – Flowers On The Coast

The September Florist of the Month Award has been won by Flowers on the Coast, owned and operated by Julie Young.

Julie opened Flowers on the Coast two years ago, fulfilling her long term dream of owning her own floristry business.  Her first experience with flowers was 13 years ago when she took up the opportunity to work in a florist shop as part of her school work experience.  Since then Julie has not looked back and has worked hard to not only open her own store but be recognised for her achievements.

“Floristry is a real passion for me, something that comes naturally.  It is the best feeling and makes me happy to see people’s faces light up when they receive flowers that I have designed for them” said Julie.

Although Julie receives help from family members including her mum who looks after the deliveries, Julie mainly drives the business and believes that marketing and promotions are a key component of any successful business.  She uses several tools including the local newspaper, internet, yellow pages, letter box drops and word of mouth to ensure that the community of Gosford is aware of her services.

 

August 2006 – The Flower Hut

Treat your senses at The Flower Hut, South Hurstville
Store owner Jodie Day is the proud recipient of the August Florist of the Month Award.  Jodie has worked tirelessly during the last three years to turn the once average flower shop into a busy and booming business.

It's little wonder that Jodie continuously scores highly in the category of store appearance with the interior of the store having a modern yet cosy feel.  As a customer your sense of smell, taste, sight and touch are all heightened when you enter The Flower Hut store.  You're instantly greeted with a beautiful aroma of flowers, and while you view flowers in boxes, bouquets, vases and bunches you can even taste the new range of chocolates available to buy for your loved one.

Jodie visits the Markets on a regular basis and has access to a cool room most florists would only dream about; it's rarely full as she believes in giving customers the freshest product at all times.  Jodie prides her business success on quality not quantity being her priority.

To ensure her business is constantly up to date with trends and new designs, Jodie and staff member Jane attend the Professional Florist Association and Interflora demonstration nights on a regular basis.  "It's imperative to our business to continue to learn new ideas, which in turn improve the look and feel of our store and ensure our customers receive the very best product.  I am also very lucky to have the support of my family, friends and community.  It would not be the same without them," she said.

The Flower Hut was recently a finalist in the St George Small Business Awards this year and in previous years the recipient of the Florist of the Month Award and Award for excellence.

 

July 2006 – A Lazy Daisy

The July Florist of the Month Award has been won by A Lazy Daisy Florist in the Sydney suburb of Revesby, owned by husband and wife team Wayne and Rhonda Waters.

Wayne and Rhonda both started their careers in the financial sector, with Wayne in insurance and Rhonda in banking.  Rhonda's mother owned Bankstown Florist and because of their involvement and a desire to own their own business, Wayne and Rhonda chose to change their career paths and open what is now a very successful florist business.

Wayne and Rhonda have mastered the art of owning a business, working side by side and employing good staff.  "It's all about working out what each one enjoys and is good at.  Rhonda is not a morning person and prefers the bookwork element and I enjoy the market environment and don't mind the early starts and interaction with our many loyal customers," said Wayne.

It's great to see that after 28 years in the flower industry Wayne and Rhonda are still passionate about their work and are acknowledged and rewarded for it by their community.

A Lazy Daisy Florist is in the running to become a finalist in the 2006 Business Achiever Awards.

 

June 2006 – Sunset Flowers

Congratulations to Sunset Flowers, located in Marrickville Shopping Centre, who have been awarded the 2006 June Sydney Markets Florist of the Month Award.

Scoring highly in the areas of customer service, shop appearance and flower presentation, husband and wife team Carmen & Christian of Sunset Flowers deserve to be recognised for their hard work and dedication.

Most Florists would say the challenge of owning one store can be a hand full, but imagine having two stores located less then two meters from each other. Tired of placing buckets of flowers around their tiny shop Carmen and Christian took up the opportunity to invest in a kiosk which has flourished since April this year, when the store renovations were completed.

Flowers have been in Carmen’s family for well over 30 years, her father Paul Scarefone owner of Sunset Hill Carnations is a grower of roses and a store holder in the Sydney Flower Market.  

“This program provides florists with an understanding of what their particular customers are looking for and allows us to make those changes” said Carmen.

As the winner of the Florist of the Month Awards for June, Carmen receives a plaque, $1,200 advertising package, 1 month free entry to Sydney Markets and $100 credit on their account from the sponsors of the 2006 Florist of the Month Awards Temples Florist Sundries.

 

May 2006 – Lane Cove Florist

For owner Janet Myers, this award has given her that extra bit of encouragement to take her store to the next level.

Janet purchased this store 17 months ago and has worked tirelessly to improve the appearance of the store by providing a much need facelift.  This improvement has worked wonders for her business and the store has reaped the benefits by creating an environment that encourages customers and in turn increased sales.

Janet said, “The customers of Lane Cove deserve the best and I will do my best to give it to them”.

This is the first time that Janet has participated in the Florist of the Month Program, scoring highly in areas of customer service, shop appearance and flower presentation.  When asked what attracted her to this program, Janet replied “It’s an excellent way of monitoring my business as it highlights the areas within my shop that are working well and at same time alerts to me to other areas that may require change or extra attention”.  

Janet said “I look forward to receiving these results as they are a valuable tool to use when my staff and I meet regularly to discuss ways to move forward with my business”.

 

April 2006 – Katoomba Florist

It’s The April Florist of the Month Award has been won by husband and wife team Carole and Harry Box from Katoomba Florist.

Caroles’ love of flowers dates back to the early 1970’s, where whilst studying as a primary school teacher she first dabbled with flowers.  Her fascination with flowers never left her, even during the time she travelled with husband Harry to Papua New Guinea where they worked as Missionaries for 15 years.

Upon their return to Australia, Carole commenced formal training to become a florist where she had the opportunity to work closely with the previous owner of Katoomba Florist.

Katoomba Florist was one of the first florists to open in the area some 31 years ago.  During this period the store had several owners and it was in 2003, after much deliberation, that Carole and Harry took up on the opportunity to purchase the store.   Now in their 4th year, Carole and Harry believe that although at times the journey was difficult, it was at the same time a memorable one, full of joy, fun and excitement and worth every bit of their hard work and dedication.

 

March 2006 – Floriade

Its little wonder Floriade located in Mosman has been presented the March 2006 Florist of the Month Award. Business partners Darren McCoy and Emma Garfield-Jones are certainly in tune with understanding the wants and needs of their customers.

It’s hard to put in words the feeling you get when entering this store. First you are bowled over by the amazing fragrance, then you are lost for words with how the store is so beautifully presented, you really do feel as if you are in another world. Partners Darren McCoy and Emma Garfield – Jones, understand their market and know that although flowers are at the forefront for customers, it’s also the experience and lasting impression that keeps customers coming back for more.

Although small in size, this store uses space to its full potential. A beautiful water piece is the centre attraction, with floral designs and some exquisite vases to pick from. “The shop was designed to feel warm and inviting” said Darren. It also represents the hard work that is put in by the staff to keep the store in such perfect condition.

Emma’s main philosophy when purchasing stock is to never settle for second best. Her customers are her priority and she ensures that they receive the best possible product available.

Darren and Emma rarely find time to take a break and love a challenge. Their most recent adventure was to open “Abode by Floriade” which features imported gifts, home wares and is located directly behind Floriade.

The winners for 2006 florist of the month competition will have no trouble communicating their achievements to local newspapers and will certainly enjoy spending $1,200 on additional advertising to help promote their stores.

The winners also receive a plaque which represents their achievements, a $100 credit on their accounts with Temples Florist Sundries and free parking at Sydney Flower Market for one month.

 

February 2006 – The Floral Decorator

Kelly Thomas owner of the Floral Decorator, located in Erskineville, is the first winner in the February 2006 Florist of the Month Awards. The award symbolizes Kelly’s hard work and dedication she has for her business and industry as a whole.

It was Kelly’s grandmother that first sparked her interest in plants and flowers at a very early age. It was during the time she spent with her grandmother that first ignited a spark creating an insatiable interest and respect for flowers that has never left her side.   Kelly says “If you listen closely you can hear flowers”.

Her commitment to providing quality flowers and wonderful customer service is exemplified within her teams focus on customer service and an amazing product knowledge.

“There’s much more involved then cutting the stems and wrapping flowers” said store manager Suzanne Vose. “The key to our success is the understanding and commitment we have for flowers, coupled with the importance of customer satisfaction”.

Well known within the industry, Kelly was invited to decorate a room at Government House during October 2005. The room allocated to Kelly and her team was transformed with spectacular floral designs and art inspired by the contemporary and ritual cultures of Bali, India, Japan and Tibet.

"The Florist of the year program provides invaluable feedback from the most important people within my business – My customers” said Kelly.