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Sandra Hooper of MaryJane’s Flowers

Flower Shop Network had a chance to find out what makes Sandra Hooper of MaryJane’s Flowers & Gifts in Berlin NJ tick and why she feels the floral industry is a fun and exciting profession.

We asked her a few questions and found some very insightful information.

Sandra Hooper of MaryJane's FlowersFlower Shop Network: How long have you been a florist?
Florist: We have been open as a flower shop for about a year and a half now…but my floral experience goes back over 30 years.

Flower Shop Network: When did open your flower shop in Berlin?
Florist: Our Grand opening was on my mother’s birthday January 29, 2009

Flower Shop Network: What are your floral specialties?
Florist: Not sure I specialize in any one area…I try making unique and different designs for any occasion.

Flower Shop Network: What is your favorite flower?
Florist: My favorite flowers are peonies…it is a shame they are so expensive I would like to work with them more often.

Wedding Bouquet- Berlin NJFlower Shop Network: What is your favorite wedding bouquet?
Florist: My favorite wedding bouquet would be a solid ball of roses in shades of pinks with stephanotis I did for a client.

Flower Shop Network: What would you say are the top flower trends in Berlin NJ?
Florist: Berlin isn’t really a “trendy” area…most people around here seem to be a little more traditional. Although with proms we are trying to introduce more things that are possible for corsages then what has been available around here.

Flower Shop Network: How have you used the North Carolina state flower in your designs?
Florist: Well New Jersey state flower is the violet…I do try to incorporate African violets into most of our dish gardens.

Flower Shop Network: What has been the best part of being a florist in New Jersey?
Florist: Doing what I love!! wouldn’t really matter what state or where I was but this is what I always wanted.

Flower Shop Network: Do you have a floral design philosophy?
Florist: Yes I believe in complete customer satisfaction…we like to treat our clients as family.

Flower Shop Network: What style do you specialize in — modern, traditional, romantic, etc.?
Florist: I try a little of all really. Myself I prefer the traditional romantic, but I think I was born in the wrong era :)

Flower Shop Network: What makes your arrangements better or different than anybody else’s?
Florist: I think what makes ours better is taking care of the flowers from the minute them enter the shop till the minute they leave the shop…It takes more time and work and sometimes a bit more money but the best compliment we get is how long our flowers last! As for different…people get their monies worth here, we don’t skimp on flowers to save costs and this also keeps customers coming back.

Flower Shop Network: Do you remember the first time you received flowers? Tell us about it.
Florist: I think the first flowers I ever received were from my grandparents…I had been very sick in the 8th grade with mono and out of school for at least a month and a beautiful bouquet came from them to try and brighten things.

Flower Shop Network: How did you get started in the floral business?
Florist: Actually was my first part time job at age 16 was in a flower shop and just loved being around the flowers. I feel I have a natural artistic ability when it comes to being creative which I feel goes hand in hand.

Flower Shop Network: Favorite arrangements or other designs you’ve done?
Florist: I love making bridal bouquets…but I also like just being creative so I thoroughly enjoyed FSN’s Design Challenge in which I took took first place!