Flowers speak a unique, universal language of love and appreciation to the people who matter to us.

For the past 30 years, many Vincentians who want to say it with flowers have been choosing Floranium Services Ltd to craft their messages.

Established on October 15, 1987, the floral and garden supplies shop has been under new ownership/management for the past year, a period which has seen Floranium blossom with fresh ideas and innovative products and services. Among the highlights of a successful year for Floranium is the Best of SVG Award for Best Floral Arrangements.

Managing director Rhesa Jack-Shallow is excited about the recognition.

“I believe one of the reasons that people chose us is the creativity that they’re seeing in our arrangements. It’s very interesting and we are getting out of the box in terms of the materials we use. Also, we try to ensure that we are present in terms of social media to get people to be aware of what we’re offering.

“It’s an amazing and humbling award and we are really grateful to the people of St Vincent and the Grenadines. When you can be recognized for the hard work that you’re doing, it makes you feel motivated to continue to be the best that you can be,” Jack-Shallow said.

Owning Floranium Services is a childhood dream come true for Jack-Shallow.

“I remember as a little girl I would want to plant flowers at my parents’ home and it was always a no-no. When I finally got my own home, I was so excited to be able to plant my own flowers, be creative with floral arrangements etc. So, when the opportunity arose to own Floranium Services, we immediately jumped at it, because not only were we doing it at home, but we have the opportunity to do it publicly and offer a service.”

Floranium Services employs eight persons and operates from two locations: the floral shop at Kingstown, upstairs the Bonadie’s Building, and the Garden Centre at Arnos Vale.

In Kingstown, clients may order floral arrangements for any occasion, even ‘just because’. There is also an e-service which allows for flowers to be sent anywhere in the world. At Arnos Vale, not only can patrons rent and purchase plants and garden supplies, but also get gardening advice from the experts.

“If you have an area that is arid, we have recommendations for that.  If you have an area that is very wet, we have recommendations for that too. So, when you come, it’s also a consultancy that’s being done to determine what your true needs are in relation to plants,” Jack-Shallow said.

At the floral shop in Kingstown, however, creativity is in full bloom, as Floranium uses a variety of tropical and temperate flowers to perfectly craft the desired sentiments of their clients.

“A lot of people are excited about what they are seeing. We have offered new styles; for example, you can get floral arrangements in a basket.  That is something that is not very popular here, so a lot of people have been receptive to that,” Jack-Shallow said.

“In addition to that, we don’t just do floral arrangements only, we can also add fruits to it – like a fruit basket or if you want to have a candy basket to go with it, we do all of that, even wines and teddy bears etc.”

Valentine’s, Mother’s Day and Christmas are peak times for Floranium. “We really embrace it and we try to make sure that everybody is served,” said Jack-Shallow. She encourages customers to call in advance to secure their desired floral arrangements. Brides, for instance, should consult at least a month in advance.

Jack-Shallow acknowledges that as a young person, running a business is no bed of roses, but she is undeterred.

“Any young person out there who is interested in starting their own business and being successful as an entrepreneur, I would encourage you to believe in your vision and go after it with determination and dedication.”