BiZi Bee Floral & Gifts has blossomed from humble beginnings. Justin began selling roses in night clubs, after seeing his wife’s unhappiness with her former job. The organization, where she was formerly employed, stretched far too thin on human capital. while always demanding more from her. But they did not provide required resources for her professional growth. The final straw was pulled by her boss, when he informed her that he was not going to pay her bonus, earned by doubling sales in the store she managed. Justin was furious! And he, therefore, started selling roses at local nightclubs with roses bought from Costco. Enough money was earned from his endeavor to have a roadside flower stand for Mother’s Day 2006. The flower stand provided funds for a web site.Soon, Heather and Justin were approached by an employee of a wholesale company, regarding a flower shop available for sale in Seattle. What a spark of inspiring curiosity moved them! And they went to investigate the new opportunity. What they found was a shop in a sad state of disuse.Imogene Inglet had operated Arts ‘n Flowers in the shop for roughly nine years, before selling out to retire. The man who bought it from her had wished to operate the store with help from his family, who relocated from Mexico City. Unfortunately their many adjustments, needed to run a working shop had proven overwhelming. His family abandoned their efforts, and left the poor guy on the hook. His misfortune became the Baker’s opportunity to intervene and relieve him from future, dire financial and legal consequences. Compassion for his situation propelled much of their initial interest.Upon seeing the store for the first time, something clicked… like this was meant to be! Immediately, they began cleaning up to set things in order, before ever signing a purchase agreement or lease. Amidst explorations of possibilities - when moving things around - who should arrive? Fortunately! Rich arrived, representing the ownership of the building. The Bakers relayed their interest. Rich gave them a shot, without setting in motion the normally, intense scrutiny for prospective commercial, real estate tenants. Fate dealt the final blow, when Heather’s boss from out-of-the-blue, chose to sever the 10 year relationship between them. Heather’s assistant grabbed and grappled for Heather’s job in a power play of classic betrayal, by making false allegations against Heather. Ironically, just as the boss was giving Heather’s telephone exit interview, the Bakers were standing together in their new shop beaming over their bright future, despite the recently ugly past.In June of 2008, two years will soon be past, since they embarked on their journey together, as small business owners. Many challenges have been conquered, in that time. For the first year, they couldn’t afford to pay rent on both a residence and business. Consequently, they slept on a camping mat, placed on the floor in the back. They showered at the neighboring Miekos Fitness Club in Lake City.Inexperience caused much anguish. The first Valentine’s Day was such a great fiasco that Heather broke down in tears. Topping it off, their interim help for the holiday had stolen temporary checks. While Justin and Heather recuperated from their non-stop responsibilities of Valentine’s Day’s demands, their interim “helper” had helped herself by forging fraudulent checks, which she cashed at a local, check cashing store. This criminal activity nearly finished off the newbie entrepreneurs.Fotunately, love, determination, and team effort are true winners! Perseverance pays. Their main strengthening asset has been their loving belief in one another, along with devotion and help from several, supportive friends. Many of these friends are a great treasure found via an online business social networking community that began in Seattle. The Bakers highly recommend: http://www.biznik.com to any small business or freelancer starting out. Without it, they would have never progressed to any level of success.The future survival of BiZi Bee Floral & Gifts is not an absolute certainty. Real florists are under constant pressure from: web-based flower “stores”, chain, grocery stores with local convenience bouquets, and the wire services’ sales of flowers at unsustainable prices. Loyal patronage from YOU alone, our extraordinarily, discerning flower buyers, help to keep this little Mom and Pop store‘s existance alive and well. Heather and Justin wish to say “Thank you!” to our wonderful customers. Without your ongoing support, Lake City would be missing one more family florist. Seeing your joyful smiles is our ongoing inspiration! The BiZi Bee slogan is “Get BiZi, Bee Happy!” Calling all brides who plan on booking their wedding flowers, please consider Heather. She is the perfect expert and multi-talented designer. In the 10+ years of making arrangements for scores of brides, she has yet to have anyone return a negative report. In fact, they tend to gush with gratitude. Feel free to read her recent bride’s remarks on our website.Approximately 9 wedding consultations have been performed, since our opening. Out of those, 8 have booked with happy results. What BiZi Bee really needs is to add a zero after that 8. And if you know any brides or wedding planners, please help everyone by referring them to BiZi Bee! There is an upside to BiZi Bee Floral being a small shop, still working hard to become established. A main benefit is that prospective brides get a highly, personalized consultation. Heather asks questions, and takes careful notes on the wedding theme. Once she has a firm understanding of her customer’s wants, needs, and desires, she leverages her experience to make suggestions that help solidify the creative direction of the wedding. This shapes her proposal which is accompanied by a detailed quote. When everyone is happy, an agreement is signed and the deposit is taken. Many follow-up calls and emails usually occur right up until the “Big Day”. And then it‘s: lights, camera, action!Are you are seeking a shop with many, fancy credentials on the wall, accompanied by a condescending, disinterested attitude? Did you ever witness such a florist masquerading as “chic”? May we gently suggest, if you ever encounter such a florist, find the door quickly. We, at BiZi Bee Floral have a happy alternative for you. Is your desire to find a friendly, approachable talent in an experienced floral artist, with a penchant for green, eco-friendly bouquets? BiZi Bee IS right on target for YOU. Whatever your floral needs, we, at BiZi Bee will greet you with smiles and warm hearts.The location for BiZi Bee Floral & Gifts is 12304 Lake City Way NE - at the corner of 123 and Lake City Way. We are next door to the Breakfast Club and across from the bright, purple building with the sculpture in front of what was formerly Craniums Cafe. You can visit our website: http://www.bizibeefloral.com or call us to say, “Hi” toll-free at 877-424-9423.
