We had the good fortune of connecting with Kari McGowan of Botanica Floral and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kari, what is the most important factor behind your success?
The success  of not only my brand, but my whole industry, is connecting with our customers on a personal level. Flowers are, more often than not, an expression of emotion and purpose. My motto/mantra is to design flowers with intention, thoughtfulness, kindness, and creativity.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
The excitement in the everyday is really important to us. How we, as floral designers, convey that meaning can be special and challenging. We LOVE to use the Victorian era “Language of Flowers” All customers have a story, a meaning, a reason to say it through flowers. Most flowers have their own meaning and we try to design with intention of the sender. For example.-“Even though I’ve made 5 anniversary flower orders today, did you know that John and Mary have been married 63 years??!! They met at the world’s fair! We should include ivy in their arrangement for everlasting love”.

I feel Botanica Floral has become a community staple not only for our beautiful florals, but for our great customer service. It’s true, kindness is free. When you love what you do and what you provide, people can feel that, even over the phone.

The biggest lesson I have learned is to treat customers how I would want to be treated as a consumer. Have confidence in your work. Put others before yourself. A handshake is the best form of networking.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I would, of course, take them to the LA flower market! It’s early mornings, but there’s a guy that makes the best Tijuana Dogs outside at 9am from his food truck! It’s so easy to stay local Orange County, too- Corona del Mar is the “Crown of the Sea”! How far does one need to travel?! CdM state beach is super low key, Sherman Library for gardens and tea, Fashion Island for shopping, Crystal Cove for hiking, tide pools at Little Corona Beach.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’ll have to blanket this with family. My sister co-signed my first building lease, my creative mother drives 30+ hours every year during Valentine’s to de-thorn 1,000s of roses, my father who taught me to visualize customers walking through the door, my husband for changing the oil, brakes, etc on the company vehicle, my bro-in-law for the record deliveries in 1 day (52)- and of course, my supportive community who really believes in small business!

Website: Botanica-Floral.com

Instagram: /botanicafloral

Facebook: /BotanicafloralCDM

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/botanica-floral-corona-del-mar-2

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