Spring is Always in the Air at Flora, Etc. in Downtown Lakeville

Lakeville Patch: "How did you get started in the floral business?"

Amy Povroznik: "I used to be an interior designer, and I started doing some freelance floral design for some clients I was working with. Before long I realized I just liked it better. It’s a more soulful experience for me. Then a number of years ago my aunt from Farmington saw an ad for a Lakeville flower shop that needed a designer. I got the job and worked there for two years, but they decided to close. So I jumped on the chance to open my own shop (Flora Etc.) in the existing space. If it hadn’t been for my aunt, I wouldn't have found that opportunity. Now it’s been 16 years and its going really well.  I love connecting with local customers who know me and come to the shop."

Lakeville Patch: "Do you also do floral design for special events?"

Povroznik: "Yes, I do tons of weddings and events. I also do a lot of sympathy work as well."

Lakeville Patch: "Are people are still indulging in flowers and plants as gifts even though times are tough?"

Povroznik: "Yes, I’d say so. But I’ve also done some things to adjust to the way the economy is right now. One thing I do is accept recycles vases. I really encourage it because a lot of people are trying to cut costs, but they still want to send flowers. So the more recycled vases I get from people, the more I can save on my inventory costs and my customers get a little bit more for their money. If people who know me are moving or having a garage sale, they bring them to me, because they know I can use them. I have a lot accounts with schools too, and they recycle their vases through me as well. Then the school gets a free vase next time and it saves them money. I’m all about recycling. Anything to help us all out."

Lakeville Patch:  "How do you keep flowers fresh until they reach your customers?"

Povroznik: "I have a lot of coolers, so that keeps them fresh at all times. We also make sure they’re hydrated properly. Keeping them properly cooled and hydrated prolongs the life of flowers, so when the customer receives them they last longer.  When you buy from say, the farmer’s market in the summer, they look great, but unfortunately they sit in the hot sun and then they don’t last as long once you get them home."

Lakeville Patch: "Are there any special challenges to delivering flowers in the cold weather?"

Povroznik: "We do give flowers and plants a little extra wrapping with paper, but our delivery drivers have them in warm vans, and there’s usually not too a long trip from the store to the door."

Lakeville Patch: "Lakeville is really booming these days. Why do you think that is?"

Povroznik: "I think there’s a lot of development happening here. You know when I first moved here, it reminded me a little of 'Mayberry.' The building where my store is now used to be a grocery store that was here for about 100 years. It was just a quaint little town. But I think it’s really becoming more trendy, especially when it comes to stores and boutiques. I’ve seen a lot of things come and go in the years that I’ve been here, but it’s getting better, and I think Lakeville is finally where it should be."

Lakeville Patch: "So what are this year’s most popular flowers for Valentine’s Day?"

Povroznik: "I think roses are important, but women in particular are into more exotic flowers and color schemes. We’ve been doing a lot of lime green with reds and purples and even oranges. We also do orchids and some funky foliage that’s popular. This year, I think it’s going to be all about mixed bouquets."

Flora Etc. is located at 20780 Holyoke Ave, Lakeville. Call them at (952) 985-5040.