It has been a rough year. In the last 7 months, we created florals for so many weddings. This past year 2021, our season officially began May 1st and did not end until November 27. For most of those weeks, we worked straight through without a single day off. Often, we never knew who would show up for work. The core was always here, but the extras, we just never knew. Not being able to predict the every changing climate, we just dealt with weddings on a weekly basis.
I understand that was not the best way to conduct business, but we dealt with weddings that downsized from 150 to 30 guests; some switching to just an elopement, but so many weddings went ahead and had outdoor events for 150. Then of course there was the hot weather and the fires. We just never knew if there was going to be another last minute change. We were just happy to get through another week.
First and foremost, I have a great core staff. They cared so much about our work, completing the order and giving whatever extra we can give. We all wanted the wedding day to be so pretty and happy and beautiful.
Second I have the best wholesalers that just kept feeding me with supplies. We kept going every single week! My wholesalers, North Bay Farms, never missed a beat! Often, they were pushing me to get my order in, so they can fulfill my requests. On my part, it was usually last minute and I hate operating that way. I gotta hand it to those guys, the flowers and foliage arrived without a hitch. So many florists complained about flower shortages; but I never felt the sting.
As a result, we were able to deliver the florals to all our brides on a timely manner. I realize now, after this season has settled down, we were among the few vendors that survived this year pretty unscathed. So many of my fellow vendors are leaving or left our industry to move in another direction. Some are regrouping and reorganizing to better compete. Many are retiring and closing up shop. I will miss my friends.
I hope, next year is better. I hope to be better organized. I hope to provide the same quality of flowers, design work and service to all our customers. I hope the same core staff comes back next year.
I hope we all do better in health and well being.
