Nora Anne’s Flower Shoppe in Sugar Land is preparing for its busiest season—Valentine’s Day—the same way it has since it first opened 19 years ago.
The shop offers a number of special arrangements for Valentine's Day at various price points. Owner Nora Anne Sim said she typically receives orders two weeks in advance, and the most popular requests are for a dozen red roses.
“But it’s been changing,” she said. “There are a lot of newer things—hydrangeas, peonies, tulips—more unique flowers.”
Owner Nora Anne Sim opened her business 19 years ago. She said she enjoys the floral artistry and connecting with clients.[/caption]
The flower shop moved to its Lexington Boulevard location four years ago. Sim said she first became interested in the industry while in high school. A friend worked for a florist, and the company needed help arranging decorations for the prom. Sim said the artistry of the business and interacting with clients hooked her.
“This is such an emotional business,” she said. “I think that’s the thing that I like the best about my business.”
Sim said her job is to help people celebrate milestones, such as births, marriages, anniversaries, recoveries and deaths.
Sim’s family has helped her at the shop throughout the years, and she even arranged the flowers for her son’s wedding. She said she sees trends moving in a simpler, sophisticated and more natural direction. She chocked it up to people becoming more knowledgeable of flowers compared to when she started in the industry.
“I think they’re looking for a cleaner, simpler kind of look,” she said.
She has a personal preference for texture, including curly willows, berries and branches in her flower arrangements, Sims said.
To cope with increasing Internet orders, Nora Anne’s became active on social media and signed up for florist wire services. The business also belongs to Allied Florists of Houston.
Sim recommends other aspiring florists and future business owners get involved in the community and make connections, whether they are business, religious or social contacts. Relationships are important to get a company name recognition, she said.
“I think the people that really are interested, that really love this business, they’re really willing to do the hard work to build up the clientele and have that mom and pop feel,” she said. “I think there’s still a lot of customers that want that mom and pop feel.”
Nora Anne's Flower Shoppe
15510 Lexington Blvd., Ste. N, Sugar Land 281-491-5858 www.noraannesflowers.com Hours: Mon.-Fri. 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Sat. 9 a.m.-1 p.m., closed Sun.
