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The Modern Flower Shop: Bay Bouquet

Last week, I was able to interview Tony Swick, from Bay Bouquet in Tampa, about their recent relocation to a larger, more urban-style store. The building boasts a beautiful color scheme: neutral grays and blues that complement Bay Bouquet’s company brand colors. “Inside the building is very urban,” Tony says, “Brand color is a feature of our building as well as our logo. We wanted to focus on our visibility in a clean, but also visually pleasing way.” The outside of the building is an eye-catching, vibrant blue — the same blue used in their logo. However, inside the shop is very warm and inviting; comfortable for all age groups. Tony says they, “Didn’t want to overwhelm our customers with anything, except with our logo and name.”

One step inside this store and you will notice it’s unlike any flower shop you’ve ever seen. There is a high level of comfort: couch, seating area, refreshments. The store has a very urban spa-like feeling. This definitely isn’t your grandma’s flower shop, and will give Bay Bouquet a big step ahead in attracting younger clients. The store features a nice, open work space for easy designing, as well as volume designing. There is a private area for bridal consultation, expanding their opportunity to work with brides in a more intimate setting.

Elegant Wedding Consultation Room Modern Flower Shop Interior

Bay Bouquet’s modern look is not the only thing that sets them apart as a fresh alternative to clients seeking the best in floral design. Tony strongly believes that, “A focus on what you do best is the key to success.” Bay Bouquet is getting to the roots of the floral industry, “We want to do what we do best, and that’s flowers and floral designs.” Tony does not keep anything that has to be stocked and in rotation, and doesn’t focus on gift lines.

“We do quality, artful floral design, for every order. No matter what the order, or how much.” Tony and his team don’t believe in pre-making arrangements. Each design is made specifically for the client: their colors, styles, occasion and, of course, budget. Bay Bouquet’s focus is on quality and service. “No matter what your volume is, make every single design your most important.”

“When people go to a flower shop, they go for flowers, and that’s what we do — flowers.”

With his innovation, it’s no wonder Anthony Swick is being inducted into the American Institute of Floral Design (AIFD) in San Fransisco this March. It is a high honor for any florist. Congratulations Tony, from all of us at FSN!

Also! Bay Bouquet was one of the first to make the switch to our premium websites because they could brand it with their company’s colors. Check out their new website’s sleek new look here!

Guess Who Was Voted The Best Florist in Tampa 2009

We are so excited for Scott Darhower of Apple Blossoms Floral Design & Gifts who was just voted The Best Florist of Tampa for 2009. What an honor! Scott is an excellent designer and savvy business owner so we were not shocked at all to see him earn such a lofty honor.

Christmas Decorations by Apple Blossoms Floral Design

Christmas Decorations by Apple Blossoms Floral Design

Scott’s skills are impressive to say the least. Like many other talented Tampa florists, Scott does it all. Not only does he create beautiful floral works of art for most major occasions, but he is also one of the finest wedding florists in the area. His unique mastery of making art meet beauty keeps people returning to his flower shop just to see what his creation will be for their next occasion.

The inside of his shop is a work of art as well. You walk in and get a glimpse inside his creative mind. He decorates the shop for each major holiday in a very upscale, unique way. Spending a great deal of time at the shop, Scott makes his flower shop as appealing and homey as possible. It is familiar, pleasant, warm and inviting. It takes merely opening your eyes to his designs to imagine what your own home can look like. If he can do that in his shop, imagine what his designs will look like in your home, office or at your wedding? The possibilities are shocking.

We are very proud of Scott for his recent award. We know that it was definitely earned. Way to go Scott! Congratulations!

Florida State’s Newest Master Designer is Tony from Bay Bouquet!

You ever sit down with someone and realize that you are speaking to someone with a heart of gold? That’s how it was when Tony picked up the phone. Bay Bouquet Floral Studio, a flower shop in Tampa Florida, is already well renowned for their stylish designs and attention to customer service. I can see why! One 30 minute conversation with Tony showed why so many people choose Bay Bouquet Floral Studio for their flowers, though I knew in the first 3 minutes.

The reason for the call was to congratulate Tony for earning the Florida State Master Designer accreditation at the FSFA Convention in early June. It’s a big accomplishment so we wanted to let him know how proud we are of him for a job well done. Not being from Florida, I wasn’t sure what earning the FSMD entailed so I asked.

According to Tony, the rules and judging standards are based on the AIFD test. It is a two part test which contestants are given three hours to complete. First, they must finish a 125 question written test. (The AIFD has only 25.) Second, they are given tickets to create three floral designs. Tony’s assignments were hospital flowers, a corsage and a boutonniere, and a designer’s choice arrangement. It’s not a competition. The flowers are judged by design and knowledge of certain key floral design concepts. Only already accredited designers are allowed to judge. What makes it tough is that if you fail either part, you fail it all. You must then repeat the part you failed at the next session. Fortunately for Tony, he did it on his first try!

I could go on and on about Tony and Bay Bouquet Floral Studio. Tampa is lucky to have a flower shop like Bay Bouquet Floral Studio. I’m sure (because I’ve spoken with them) that there are many other talented florists in Tampa, but you’d be well off to stop in and have a conversation with Tony.

How Myspace Helps FSN Friends Reach New Heights

Flower Shop Network is continually searching for new and creative ways to further develop a community of florists and flower buyers. Presence on social networking sites such as the Flower Shop Network myspace.com profile, FSN facebook.com page, and others is helping Flower Shop Network and friends build relationships with other fascinating people with a love for beautiful flowers. Many of our Flower Shop Network friends have joined us on the social networking site Myspace.

One of the best things about social networking sites is that these sites enable users to interact with friends, family and acquaintances across the country and even the world. Florists continue to use social networking sites to showcase premium designs, contact other florists, and post contact information for other users. In this way, the florist’s profile becomes a high-tech billboard but with a much greater amount of information. Just look at these Flower Shop Network members that decided to get the word out via Myspace.com.

Apple Blossoms Floral Design Arrangement Live large with flower arrangements from Apple Blossoms Floral Design.

Scott Darhower of Apple Blossoms Floral Design is one of the premier Tampa, Florida florists. Having worked with flowers and floral design for more than 25 years, Scott is ahead of the game with creative flower arrangements, gift baskets, and even interior decorating skills that set apart every customer’s special event. Just as the website boasts, look to Apple Blossoms Floral Design for “designs for a lifetime…one seed at a time.”

PJs Flowers Citrus Arrangement PJs Flowers turns life’s lemons into…flower arrangements!

PJ’s Flowers and Events sets the bar for great flower arrangements and an eco-friendly mindset in Phoenix, Arizona. Florists are easy to find in Phoenix but PJ’s Flowers and Events goes above and beyond to ensure a quality customer experience. The team at PJ’s deliver unique and beautiful flowers to Phoenix and Maricopa County. Don’t believe me? Sneak a peek at the citrus collection, western styled gift baskets and more. Better still, if your conscience has you going green this year, trust the team at PJ’s Flowers and Events to go the extra mile for you and for our planet.

The Plant Bazaar Vase Arrangement Life is beautiful with flowers from The Plant Bazaar!

The Plant Bazaar applies creativity to more than just their name. A full-service florist in Westborough, Massachusetts, you can’t go wrong with the 100% customer satisfaction guarantee. Although, with more than 24 years experience in the floral industry it’s unlikely that such a guarantee would ever be tested. The premium quality floral designs offered at The Plant Bazaar have customers walking out of the flower shop grinning. Delivering flowers with a smile, the great people at The Plant Bazaar take customer service to a new high.

Floratique Rose and Lily Bouquet Everyone loves pretty pink and purple flowers from Floratique.

Mountain View, California florists are well aware of the colorful designs and quality fresh flowers delivered from Floratique. Serving a vast local area that spans four counties, Floratique is a well-known fixture in the Mountain View area. Enthusiasm and creativity are written all over the faces of the team at Floratique who works—though this much fun is almost playing—to make each experience as much about their customers as possible.

Piccadilly’s “Vibrant Violets” Arrangement It’s time for Vibrant Violets from Piccadilly’s Flower Shoppe.

When searching for Burnsville, West Virginia florists, look no further than Piccadilly’s Flower Shoppe. One of my personal favorites, it is hard to find a sweeter disposition on any florist in the quaint Southern town. Don’t let the size of the town fool you. This flower shop boasts “small town personal touches with the floral experience of major cities.” For great gifts and masterful flower arrangements, call on Piccadilly’s!

Florists Respond Favorably To The Networker From FSN

It has only been a week since Flower Shop Network launched The Networker. Along with addressing issues important to the floral industry and highlighting FSN services, this publication encourages input from member florists on issues or announcements that concern them. So far, feedback from shops has been wonderful. Florists from all over have submitted excellent topic suggestions, honors, announcements, personal insights, and even a nice thank you like the one from Bay Bouquet Floral Studio in Tampa, Florida.

I was particular touched by what Tony Swick and J. Thomas had to say and excited about their announcement of a new staff member:

To Whom it may concern,

We wanted to take a minute to thank Flower Shop Network for being part of our new business. After 20 plus years in the industry, we started our new shop in 09/07 with Flower Shop Network as our source for sending orders. Our store is a custom floral studio made up of 252 sq. ft and a 6×8 cooler attached to the back.

Our store is located in a great area of Tampa called Hyde Park, near downtown with a great residential area. Our clients are not the run of the mill traditional floral purchasers. They have a higher average order and require a nice selection of flowers. We have chosen not to carry carnations, daisies, or baby’s breath. This has helped us stand out in the area. Our designs encompass new trends, unique appeal and the freshest flowers arriving daily!

Our website with Flower Shop Network has had some really great activity. Customers have made comments about how user friendly it is. We thank you for that! We are looking forward to much more success with Flower Shop Network. We are also looking forward to being able to easily add our own designs and prices.

We wanted to take a minute and announce the newest addition to our staff. Heather Lockwood from Adrian, Michigan of Flowers & Such. Heather brings a great freshness to her design and has won awards as well as enjoyed floral training from designers such as Helen Miller, AIFD and Hitomi Gilliam AIFD. We are excited to have her with us. Knowing that her talent will be a great asset to all floral designs from our store.

Thank you Flower Shop Network for working for the florists and working to make this ever changing industry a continued success.
Our Best Regards,

Tony Swick
J. Thomas

Between The Networker and the Bloomin’ Blog, we plan to address every suggestion, topic and announcement. So keep them coming… we love to hear from our member florists and readers! In fact, we are compiling information for future issues of The Networker that will feature some great marketing tips, as well as shop accolades. We also plan to blog about how to order flowers online with tips for consumers on how to find local florists and important information needed to make shopping and sending flowers a pleasant experience. If you have any suggestions for this blog, please send them to jadams@flowershopnetwork.com or Ask The Expert on the Bloomin’ Blog.

Heather Lockwood Joins Bay Bouquet Floral Studio

I learned yesterday that Heather Lockwood is joining the staff at Bay Bouquet Floral Studio in Tampa, Florida. A Florist with Heather’s comprehensive AIFD floral training and extensive list of florist awards will compliment the philosophy held by Tony Swick and J. Thomas, who believe in creating only high quality unique fresh flowers arrangements.

Located in the Hyde Park area of Tampa Florida, Bay Bouquet Floral Studio clientele require fresh flowers and high-end trendy flower arrangements. As a result they cater to their customers needs by shipping in fresh flowers daily and creating designs that are unique and trendy. Heather will bring yet another fresh perspective to the Bay Bouquet design team. It will be exciting to see how Heather’s creative talents will add to the already fabulous designs coming from the design team at Bay Bouquet.

Cathy Condray FSN network coordinator and I were talking about how Tony and J. constantly look for ways to improve their customer service and the quality of their designs. They search for talented and innovative designers as well as ways to incorporate convenience into their clientele shopping experience both online and in their store. In fact as I understand, there are plans to add truly unique and customize flower arrangements to their website. From the look of things, Bay Bouquet has a lot of thrilling things in store for their customers this summer. But the one thing that remains the same with them is dedication to service. When you send flowers with Bay Bouquet Floral Studio you know the person receiving it will enjoy the work of art they receive.

Flowers are a way of life in Tampa and many creative florists play a part in this lifestyle. Heather will have no problem melding in to the flower culture of Tampa, after all she joining a flower shop that is one of the essential stems of the flower community.

Trendy Floral Centerpiece From Bay Bouquet Floral Studio One of Bay Bouquet’s Trendy Floral Centerpieces

Inside Bay Bouquet Floral Studio Inside Bay Bouquet Floral Studio

Tony Swick, Heather Lockwood and J. Thomas From Bay Bouquet Floral Studio

Bay Bouquet Floral Staff pictured are Tony Swick, Heather Lockwood and J. Thomas.

Bay Bouquet Floral Studio

Bay Bouquet Floral Studio Store Front